The subject and scope of this dissertation is Paul’s use of honour and shame
language in 1 Cor 1–6. The methodology applied is a modified socio-rhetorical
criticism as developed by George A. Kennedy.
Two interrelated aspects of first century Corinthian culture will also be
examined in connection with Paul’s rhetoric in 1 Cor 1–6; that of the patron-client
relationship and the role of honour and shame in that relationship and in the larger
society. It will be argued that Paul’s rhetorical argument in 1 Cor 1–6 is heavily based
upon the social values of honour and shame.
This study will examine 1 Cor 1–6 in three sections. The first section to be
examined will be that of 1:1–2:5. Paul begins this section by presenting Jesus as the
super-patron who is over and above all the members of the congregation. This
presentation of Jesus rebukes the patronal based factionalism and it also elevates Paul to
the unique status as that of apostle and proclaimer Jesus.
The second section to be examined will be 1 Cor 4. In this section Paul
continues to reduce the status of the patrons as he elevates his own status. By the end of
this section Paul seeks to re-establish himself not only as the apostle and proclaimer of
Jesus, but also as the Corinthians’ father through the gospel.
The third section to be examined will be 1 Cor 5–6. In this section it will be
argued that Paul addresses three issues in connection with patronal abuse; that of the
incestuous man in 1 Cor 5, the abuse of the law courts in 6:1–10, and immoral banquets
in 6:11–20. / Biblical and Ancient Studies / D.Litt. et Phil. (Biblical Studies)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:umkn-dsp01.int.unisa.ac.za:10500/2757 |
| Date | 29 October 2009 |
| Creators | McNamara, Derek Michael |
| Contributors | Botha, Pieter J. J. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | 1 online resource (xi, 255 leaves) |
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