"Paul's Political Strategy in 1 Corinthians 1-4 Constitution and Covenant Volume 163 This volume examines 1 Corinthians 1-4 within first- century politics, demonstrating the significance of Corinth's constitution to the interpretation of Paul's letter. Bradley J. Bitner shows that Paul carefully considered the Roman colonial context of Corinth, which underlay numerous ecclesial conflicts. Roman politics, however, cannot account for the entire shape of Paul's response. Bridging the Hellenism-Judaism divide that has characterized much of Pauline scholarship, Bitner argues that Paul also appropriated Jewish-biblical notions of covenant. Epigraphical and papyrological evidence indicates that his chosen content and manner are best understood with reference to an ecclesial politeia informed by a distinctively Christ-centered political theology. This emerges as a "politics of thanksgiving" in 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 and as a "politics of construction" in 3:5-4:5, where Paul redirects gratitude and glory to God in Christ. This innovative account of Paul's political theology offers fresh insight into his pastoral strategy among nascent Gentile-Jewish assemblies"--

This volume examines 1 Corinthians 1-4 within first-century politics, demonstrating the significance of Corinth's constitution to the interpretation of Paul's letter. Bradley J. Bitner shows that Paul carefully considered the Roman colonial context of Corinth, which underlay numerous ecclesial conflicts. Roman politics, however, cannot account for the entire shape of Paul's response. Bridging the Hellenism-Judaism divide that has characterised much of Pauline scholarship, Bitner argues that Paul also appropriated Jewish-biblical notions of covenant. Epigraphical and papyrological evidence indicates that his chosen content and manner are best understood with reference to an ecclesial politeia informed by a distinctively Christ-centred political theology. This emerges as a 'politics of thanksgiving' in 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 and as a 'politics of construction' in 3:5-4:5, where Paul redirects gratitude and glory to God in Christ. This innovative account of Paul's political theology offers fresh insight into his pastoral strategy among nascent Gentile-Jewish assemblies.

This volume examines 1 Corinthians 1-4 within first-century politics, offering insight into Paul's pastoral strategy among nascent Gentile-Jewish assemblies.

The purpose of this book is to re-examine Paul’s list of building materials in 1 Cor 3:12 in order to propose that all of the materials should be understood as good and necessary for adequately building in Paul’s construction metaphor (1 Cor 3:9-17). Contra the traditional interpretation, which argues that the materials should be broken into two groups of three, namely, three imperishable building materials (gold, silver, and precious stones) and three perishable building materials (wood, hay, and stubble), Paul’s argument concerning the building materials listed in 1 Cor 3:12 is not focused on which materials one uses to build (perishable or imperishable), but rather how one builds (i.e., quality construction with the materials/church members one has). This reading helps the church (and its leaders) understand that all the building materials (church members) are absolutely essential to building of the church. It also emphasizes that leaders of the church must seek to build well with the “folly” of the gospel and not build their ministries upon themselves.

A provocative analysis of interrelated issues in Paul's letters, including his views on the Roman Empire, the politics of Israel, and politics and the church.

Pairing depth of scholarship with contemporary application, the authors of From Pentecost to Patmos have produced a unique introductory New Testament textbook. Craig Blomberg and Darlene Seal provide the context and clarity that readers need to better understand Acts through Revelation, showcasing the historical, linguistic, and theological implications found in each book. This second edition includes expanded footnotes and a lengthier, up-to-date introduction to Paul. Newly added review questions, maps, and diagrams enhance the scholarship and make the resource truly user-friendly.

Paul climaxes 1 Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 15 by employing the rhetorical device called insinuatio, which delays the most controversial topic of resurrection until the end of the letter after subtly hinting at it at the outset.