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.
Next in v. 10 ‘you’ as praiseworthy are set against ‘we’ as despicable. Finally in vv. 11-13 ‘we’, in opposition to ‘you’38, are sketched as utterly poor and despised. Besides, in this passage irony is also used as an argument. The rhetorical questions in v. 7 are revealing and intimate that the Corinthians have no reason whatsoever to boast in relation to the apostles. Therefore, the exaggerated, glorious position with which they are credited thereupon in v. 8, should be understood as ironic. The following correction in the sense of "I wish it would be true", excludes all doubt at this point. This apparently also holds for the very outstanding qualifications the Corinthians are credited with in v. 10.
This passage shows many characteristics of epideictic rhetoric. More in particular it may be considered as an encomium on the apostles especially to the extent in which they are deprived of all honor, a dishonorable encomium (e)gkw/mion a!docon) therefore39. The purpose of this is to shame the Corinthians who presume to give a depreciatory opinion on the apostles and to have them adopt a less high tone.
Again, as in 1 Cor 3,5–4,5, Paul uses some terms which seem to point at the genre he applies. A well-known form of epideictic rhetoric is the so-called e)sxhmatisme/noj lo/goj, the covert allusion40. In this form of speech stylistic devices are used to hide or to cover up what one really has to say. It is a technique to wrap up and to mitigate criticism, especially when this criticism is leveled at authorities with much prestige and power. Experts strongly suspect that by using metasxhmati/zw in 1 Cor 4,6 Paul also intends to refer to lo/goj e)sxhmatisme/noj41. In the preceding section Paul actually does make covert allusions, especially in