The two paragraphs, then, are closely tied together and make the point that internal unity is necessary for holding back the destructive forces that would hinder the progress of the gospel. Three questions arise from Paul’s opening sentence. (1) Why does Paul express himself in such a highly rhetorical style? (2) In what sense does he use the word “if”? (3) Why does Paul choose precisely these qualities for his list? The first two questions can be answered quickly. Paul uses this rapid series of