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 to this, by means of the four encomia, Paul gives a spectacular proof of his rhetorical ability. He consciously seems to apply the epideictic genre and apparently intends to show that he has full command of the rules of the art. So, in 1 Cor 1,10–4,21, not only the argumentation, but definitely also the literary form is fully directed towards the restoration of Paul’s image. In this section of his letter Paul deliberately presses epideictic rhetoric into the service of his ethos.
If these conclusions are correct, the opinion that in 1 Cor 1–4 Paul rejects on principle the use of rhetorical devices in Christian preaching should be estimated as incorrect48. Rather the opposite is true. Paul gives a demonstration of his rhetorical ability and presents himself as a competent speaker to restore thereby his status and authority. This apparently is necessary in view of the acceptance of the instructions which he will issue in the subsequent parts of his extended letter. The fact that Paul recognizes this necessity and the way he reacts to it again give witness to his rhetorical competence.