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.
3,10-15. There, in comparison with himself, he degrades Apollos, but without mentioning his name. For the informed readers it is not difficult to guess to whom vague and general indications such as "someone else, anyone, each" refer. Criticism of Apollos, who is highly respected in Corinth, has to be covered up in general terms by way of precaution42. So, by the use of metasxhmati/zw in 4,6 Paul does seem to refer to the technique of lo/goj e)sxhmatisme/noj which he applies here43. Paul’s hint to lo/goj e)sxhmatisme/noj has an ironic sound. For hereby he suggests that the Corinthians are persons of high standing and great authority, who do not tolerate direct criticism. The ironic remark: "without us you have already become kings" (v. 8) nicely fits in with this44. Besides, in epideictic rhetoric the encomium on the king (basiliko_j lo/goj) plays a central part. This type of speech is the standard, the pre-eminent representative of the epideictic genre45. In this light by mentioning the status of basileu/j Paul may be making an allusion to the basiliko_j lo/goj here. Finally, "theater, spectacle" (qe/atron) in 1 Cor 4,9 seems to have a rhetorical overtone. The theater is the place where epideictic rhetoric belongs. The audience listening to an encomium, fulfils the role of a spectator (qewro/j) who judges the show of the rhetor by his competence46. In this section Paul does not only give a spectacular depiction of the apostles, but at the same time displays his rhetorical skill by means of a spectacular dishonorable encomium. So this section again seems to reveal Paul’s awareness of the high rhetoric he uses and perhaps also his intention to impress the Corinthians all the more by this.