Il participio nella peroratio di Col 4,2-6: valore sintattico e funzione retorica

This article concludes the analysis of the participle in the Letter to the Colossians (see LA 62 [2012] 153-172 and LA 63 [2013] 293-317). In particular, we focus on the syntactic and semantic value of the participle, and on its rhetorical function in the brief peroratio (Col 4:2-6). In this pars rhetorica this verbal mood is at the service of the recapitulation of the points of speech (summary), and the emotional aspect upon the audience (pathos). The use of its aspectual and temporal dimensions shows an emphatic amplified style of the Letter to the Colossians. The long syntactic phrases (in particular, 4:2-4) seem well-constructed and held together by the presence of the participle. By using the participle, Paul better defines and describes the prayer of the Colossians (prayer of the thanksgiving and intercession/request), and their conduct in Christ with particular regard towards those outside, and their speech.