Teacher of the Nations : Ancient Educational Traditions and Paul’s Argument in 1 Corinthians 1-4

This study examines educational motifs in 1 Corinthians 1-4 in order to answer a question fundamental to the interpretation of 1 Corinthians: Do the opening chapters of 1 Corinthians contain a Pauline apology or a Pauline censure? The author argues that Paul characterizes the Corinthian community as an ancient school, a characterization Paul exploits both to defend himself as a good teacher and to censure the Corinthians as poor students. Scholarship is divided on a point fundamental to the interpretation of 1 Corinthians 1-4: Are these chapters better read as a Pauline apology or as a Pauline censure? This study argues that Paul's argument is simultaneously apology and rebuke. By characterizing the Corinthian community as an ancient school, Paul depicts himself as a good but misunderstood teacher and the Corinthians as lackluster and unruly students. In support of this argument, White identifies numerous parallels between Paul's language, logic, and imagery in 1 Corinthians 1-4 and similar motifs in ancient Greek, Roman, and Jewish discussions of educational theory and practice. Especially significant is White's conclusion that Paul's educational language most closely resembles discussions of ancient primary education, not the rhetoric or philosophy studied in ancient higher education. This book will be of interest to scholars of the Corinthian correspondence, Pauline specialists, and any scholar of antiquity interested in ancient Greek, Roman, Jewish, and Christian education. Scholarship is divided on a point fundamental to the interpretation of 1 Corinthians 1-4: Are these chapters better read as a Pauline apology or as a Pauline censure? This study argues that Paul's argument is simultaneously apology and rebuke. By characterizing the Corinthian community as an ancient school, Paul depicts himself as a good but misunderstood teacher and the Corinthians as lackluster and unruly students. In support of this argument, White identifies numerous parallels between Paul's language, logic, and imagery in 1 Corinthians 1-4 and similar motifs in ancient Greek, Roman, and Jewish discussions of educational theory and practice. Especially significant is White's conclusion that Paul's educational language most closely resembles discussions of ancient primary education, not the rhetoric or philosophy studied in ancient higher education. -- !c From back cover Abstract 7 Acknowledgements 9 Contents 11 1. Introduction: Early Christian Reception of Paul and the Interpretation of 1 Cor 1–4 15 2. Greek, Roman, and Jewish Educational Institutions: An Overview 41 3. Ancient Education in 1 Cor 3:1–4:21 72 4. Ancient Education in 1 Cor 1:10–2:16 116 5. Good Teachers, Bad Students, and the Argument of 1 Cor 1:10–4:21 140 6. Conclusion: Contributions and Directions for Future Research 197 Bibliography 203 Index of Subjects 226 Index of Authors 228 Index of References 231 Die Reihe Beihefte zur Zeitschrift für die neutestamentliche Wissenschaft (BZNW) ist eine der ältesten undrenommiertesten internationalen Buchreihen zur neutestamentlichen Wissenschaft. Seit 1923 publiziert sie wegweisende Forschungsarbeiten zum frühen Christentum und angrenzenden Themengebieten. Die Reihe ist historisch-kritisch verankert und steht neuen methodischen Ansätzen, die unser Verständnis des Neuen Testaments befördern, gleichfalls offen gegenüber