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.
The dishonorable encomium prepares for the following conclusion. In this highly artistic section Paul brings forward that the apostles, because of all the hardships they endure, have a right to the respect of the Corinthians who owe them everything. In vv. 14-21 he applies this general admonition destined for the Corinthians to his own person as an apostle. He again acts in particular against their depreciatory estimation of his first and up until this moment only visit to them. As an apostle who has begotten them by his preaching, he is entitled to their respect, just as a father should be respected by his children. Their depreciation of him is impertinent. They are like children who feel superior to their father. They should be ashamed.
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The preceding analysis has demonstrated that the four passages from 1 Cor 1–4 which have been studied probably belong to epideictic rhetoric and represent more in particular four types of this genre: the paradoxical encomium (e)gkw/mion para/docon: 1 Cor 1,18-31), the honorable encomium (e)gkw/mion e!ndocon: 1 Cor 2,6-16), the ambivalent encomium (e)gkw/mion a)mfi/docon: 1 Cor 3,5-23) and the dishonorable encomium (e)gkw/mion a!docon: 1 Cor 4,6-13). This hardly can be mere coincidence. Therefore the conclusion seems justified that Paul by means of this passage gives a deliberate proof of his rhetorical ability. This forms part of a larger persuasive strategy.
Paul has founded the community in Corinth, but Apollos, who appeared in the city at a later date, apparently has taken the prize. His impressive teaching has led the believers in Corinth to a depreciation of Paul’s former preaching. Paul fights this depreciation by following two lines.
In 1 Cor 1,10–4,21 Paul builds up an argument to justify his rather unimpressive performance. To that end, from the four encomia, evaluations of a more general character, he draws four specific conclusions regarding his former preaching at Corinth: this is in accordance with the highest, divine norms (2,1-5); this has been consciously adapted to the starting-position of the Corinthians (3,1-4); the Corinthians do not have the right to judge Paul, because he is in the service of God (4,1-5); as founder of the community Paul is entitled to the respect of the Corinthians (4,14-21)47.