Here’s an overview of how my PhD is currently taking shape. It’s early days yet, so things will develop and evolve – but I think the general idea is evident here…
Paul and the Manifestation of Christ:
Christological “Rhetoric” in 1 Corinthians
An Examination of the Ordering of 1 Corinthians, with Special Reference to the Placement of Chapter 15
Chapter One
The Unity of 1 Corinthians: Textual, historical, rhetorical and exegetical arguments for the unity of 1 Corinthians
Chapter Two
The Rhetorical Influence of Paul’s Theological Heritage and Christological Encounter: Saul the pharisee meets the pre-manifest Lord
Chapter Three
1 Corinthians 1-4 and Paul’s Theology of the Cross: Over-manifest boasting in Corinth is confronted with God’s gracious gift of the crucified Christ
Chapter Four
1 Corinthians 5-14 and Paul’s Ethics: The Christological (cruciform) corrective is applied to a recognisable pattern of ethical issues, moving from sexual immorality, greed and impurity (5-7) to exploitative interrelational issues (8-14)
Chapter Five
1 Corinthians 15 and Paul’s Theology of the Resurrection: Over-manifest confidence in Corinth is confronted with the hope of future resurrection
Chapter Six
Conclusion: The ordering of 1 Corinthians, climaxing with the resurrection in chapter 15, demonstrates Christological rhetoric
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Looks good so far. I can’t wait to see what comes of it. Be sure to send a PDF of your dissertation when its done.
very interesting… every interesting indeed!
I have to agree with Nick and Brian. Who have you relied on the most? Who has been the most help? Are you working with Greek philosophical categories?
Thanks for the interest people!
I suppose an important point I’m trying to make with my dissertation is this: although there is value in paying careful attention to Paul’s use of Greco-Roman language and devices, it is especially by attending to Paul as the Pharisaic “Hebrew of Hebrews” who experienced a revolutionary encounter with the risen Jesus as (hidden) Lord, that we may be increasingly attuned to the rhetorical movement of his letters. Paul’s theology centres on Christ; his ethics flow from this central interest with Christ; and the entextualisation of these concerns in 1 Corinthians demonstrates a creative “Christological Rhetoric”, moving from the fundamentality of the cross, through the application of cruciformity, to the vindication and validation of a future in which the church will share bodily in Christ’s resurrection.
I think Paul wanted the Corinthians to learn that they do actually have all wealth and wisdom and power and possessions – but IN CHRIST, and thus presently hidden from the world’s esteem. To over-simplify, the Corinthians are called to inhabit Christ’s cross in the present, looking ahead to Christ’s manifestation as cosmic Lord in the future – at which time they themselves will share fully in his resurrection.
So I am presenting a reading of 1 Corinthians in which the key problem is theologically inappropriate boasting that denies dependence and exhibits itself in “over-manifest” or “prematurely triumphalistic” spirituality. The fundamental corrective is the
grace of God in the crucified and resurrected Christ.
It’s hard to say who has been the most help so far… I’ve found significant precedence for this reading of 1 Corinthians in its earliest interpreters – including Clement of Rome, Basil of Caesarea, Augustine, Chrysostom, and John of Damascus. More recent interpreters along similar lines include Barth, Pannenberg, Fee, Wolff, and Thiselton.
I think the three areas in which I’m attempting to be most original would be:
1) Pursuing the tradition in Jewish literature of opposition to “over-manifest” spirituality
2) Demonstrating a general pattern in Paul’s presentation of ethics across his letters (exhibited in 1 Cor 5-14)
3) Giving literary/rhetorical evidence that chapter 15 is the carefully crafted goal of the letter.
Thanks, Matthew. I’ve always been fascinted by 1 Corinthians. Well, I can see the use of the patristic guys. Did Barth do a commentary on 1 Cor?
What are your thoughts on Fee’s conclusion about 1 Cor 14:34-35?
Yes, I interested in that chapter 15 deal. Sounds interesting, I say.
Yep Barth did a book called ‘The Resurrection of the Dead’, in which he put forward the suggestion that chapter 15 is the “close and crown of the epistle”. It’s a really good little book actually… it’s peppered with just enough silly exegetical claims to make people suspicious of its arguments, but I think his overall argument needs to be taken seriously.
I might do a post on the 1 Cor 14 issue – and perhaps some other interesting exegetical issues… 1 Cor has plenty of em!
somewhere I read that Gordon Fee may be updating his commentary on 1 Corinthians, would anyone know if this is true or no? Thanks.
this is the kind of stuff i dig matt…
also i tagged you in this meme:
http://www.theologer.com/2008/08/3-questions-meme.html
Thanks, Matthew, and I look forward to your take on the passage in question.
Brian, that will be nice.
Ooh I hadn’t heard that Fee might be updating his commentary… I do know that in the “Pillar” commentary series, Ciampa & Brian Rosner will soon release a commentary on 1 Corinthians. They did an interesting article in 2006, arguing that the unifying themes of 1 Corinthians are best seen from the perspective of early Judaism. Rosner has done a lot of work on 1 Corinthians in the past.
Also, Bruce Winter, who wrote “After Paul Left Corinth” and “Paul and Philo Among the Sophists” will soon be doing a commentary on 1 Corinthians. He has also argued that there are unifying themes in 1 Corinthians that have been downplayed because we’ve been too focused on dividing the book up into chapters and sections.
Should be interesting…
hi. im actually doing a research about this book of the bible. Can you help me? a brief answer will do…:)
1. What the history behind this book
2. What is the style of its authorship
3. Summary…
4. Main characters and their roles
5. Arguments that arose from the book
History: Written in the early 400s by Augustine
Style: Series of disconnected wisdom sayings
Summary: Secret knowledge brings liberation
Characters: Jesus, Mary Magdalene, Celebrant
Arguments: “Oh no you didn’t!” – “Oh yes you did!” (repeat)
UPDATE: My wife tells me that this answer is not entirely adequate. hmm – better check out the commentaries on 1 corinthians – or better still, read it & re-read it. My advice is: Never prepare for an assignment by consulting blogs