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

by Devin L. White

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783110538175
Publisher:	De Gruyter
Publication date:	11/20/2017
Series:	Beihefte zur Zeitschrift für die neutestamentliche Wissenschaft , #227
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	238
File size:	5 MB
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Devin L. White, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, Australien.
Devin L. White, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, Australia.