Joop F.M. Smit, «Epideictic Rhetoric in Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians 1–4», Vol. 84 (2003) 183-201
In the discussion as to whether Paul uses Classical rhetoric First Corinthians 1–4 plays a key-role. In this article an overview is given of the main characteristics of the epideictic genre and in the light of this it is argued that in 1 Cor 1–4 Paul presents the four types of this genre: a paradoxical encomium in 1,18-31; an honorable encomium in 2,6-16; an ambivalent encomium in 3,5-23 and a dishonorable encomium in 4,6-13. In this manner he gives a deliberate proof of his rhetorical ability so as to restore his image, damaged by the impressive performance of Apollos who visited the city after him and apparently took the prize. So, after all, there seems to be Classical rhetoric in Paul.
Consequently this genre forms the frame of reference of the present investigation.
The presentation of my findings is divided into three parts. First, I give a succinct survey of the principal characteristics of the epideictic genre as set out in the various Greek and Latin handbooks of rhetoric. Next, in the light of this, a description follows of the particular rhetorical character of each of the four general sections mentioned. Finally some conclusions round off my findings.
I. The Characteristics of Epideictic Rhetoric
In order to analyse four important parts of 1 Cor 1–4 I shall use the standard form of epideictic rhetoric as elaborated in the handbooks from Greco-Roman Antiquity. In view of this I shall now, first of all, give an overview of the main characteristics regarding objective, style, topics, argument and types by which this rhetorical genre is distinguished from both other genres 10.
Within rhetorical theory it is, since Aristotle, regular practice to distinguish three genres from each other and to give them a separate treatment11. The forensic speech (ge/noj dikaniko/n; genus iudiciale) pleads, in the sense of accusing and defending, for the legitimacy or illegitimacy of a committed act. The court-room is the appropriate place for this. The political speech (ge/noj sumbouleutiko/n; genus deliberativum) deliberates, in the sense of recommending or dissuading, upon the benefit or damage which a certain proposal brings with it. This genre is appropriate for the general assembly of the people. The ceremonial speech (ge/noj e)pideiktiko/n; genus demonstrativum) evaluates, in the sense of honoring or blaming, the positive or negative