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.
physical attributes belong quickness (ta/xoj), strength (i)sxu/j), beauty (ka/lloj), health (u(gi/eia). Among the qualities of character the quartet wisdom (sofi/a), justice (dikaiosu/nh), courage (a)ndrei/a) and temperance (swfrosu/nh) are regularly reckoned. This checklist often determines the sequence of an epideictic oration. Next to or in combination with such systematic approach often a chronological order is also chosen in which the actions during the different stages of life are followed. In addition the topos of the proper name or surname deserves special mention17. By means of a quasi-etymological derivation a speaker may use somebody’s name to praise or to criticize that person. Demosthenes, explained as ‘the power of the people’, is the standard example of this device.
Each of the three rhetorical genres gives preference to a definite kind of argumentation. Aristotle already observes this18. The forensic plea employs in general the enthymeme. The political deliberation by preference adduces examples. The ceremonial oration mainly uses amplification. By this is understood enlarging (au!chsij; amplificatio) and reducing (tapei/nwsij, minutio) certain elements in quantitative as well as in qualitative sense19. Two important forms of amplification deserve special notice20. Amplification often consists in accumulating words, synonymous or not, sentences, comparisons. A specific form of such accumulation is the argumentative chain (e)poikodo/mhsij, kli=mac; gradatio). In this case the principal word of each clause is repeated in the next clause and the chain as a whole exhibits an ascending line. Amplification is, next to this, often brought about by means of comparison (su/gkrisij; comparatio). In such case the intended effect is reached by comparing the person concerned with someone who is taller, smaller or of the same height or else with someone who is the opposite of the one in view.
The paradoxical encomium (e)gkw/mion para/docon) is a traditional part of epideictic rhetoric. Such speech deals with a subject which