Notes on Pauline Methodology from 1 Corinthians 9

Abstract

The study of the social history of the origins of Christianity from the Pauline writings has experienced an unprecedented boom in recent decades. 1 Corinthians has become the main source of this enterprise. In the letter there are precious texts to learn about the interaction between the first believers in Christ and Hellenistic society.

Undoubtedly, studies that are sensitive to the social tenor of early Christianity are contributing very interesting insights to current exegesis. In my opinion, however, some of them take little account of the rhetorical and persuasive thickness of the texts and give certain basic data for their analysis that may be questionable from a rhetorical point of view. I intend to argue, then, that it is appropriate to read Paul first with the instruments of rhetorical criticism. Since the letters are literary and persuasive products, it is appropriate to analyze them with literary and rhetorical instruments.