ISBN: | 9781839739392 |
---|---|
Imprint: | Langham Academic |
Format: | Paperback |
Dimensions (mm): | 229 x 152 x 10 |
Publication Date: | 30/09/2024 |
Pages: | 174 |
Series: | Studies in New Testament |
Language: | English |
Wisdom According to Paul in Relation to the Corinthian Problems
A Sociological and Rhetorical Analysis of 1 Corinthians 1–4
The problems of boasting, division, and human wisdom are apparent in 1 Corinthians 1–4. Addressing their interrelated nature, Dr. Richard Rojas argues they are rooted in a false understanding of wisdom. He skilfully explores how Paul’s response to the issues is found in his wisdom teaching, especially the meaning and significance of “Christ, the wisdom of God.” In this detailed study, Dr. Rojas presents a sociological and rhetorical analysis of 1 Corinthians 1–4 that brings a fresh perspective on Paul’s response to church tension with important truths for churches today. Pauline scholars and church practitioners alike will find in these pages a rich resource on 1 Corinthians and Paul’s teaching.
Endorsements
This solid study of 1 Corinthians 1–4 will orient you to the options that exist in our world: to pursue wisdom on our own, to focus on signs, or to see things as God does through his spirit, where real wisdom lies. Using both rhetorical and sociological analysis of the text and working through the passage carefully, this book reflects solid engagement with the biblical message. I commend it to you.
Darrell Bock, PhD
Executive Director for Cultural Engagement, Hendricks Center,
Senior Research Professor of New Testament Studies,
Dallas Theological Seminary, Texas, USA
Dr. Richard C. Rojas’s positioning of Paul’s understanding of wisdom, and in particular, “Christ, the wisdom of God” in 1 Corinthians 1:24, becomes a heuristic tool for examining the argumentative interconnectedness of the problems in the church at Corinth that Paul addresses in 1 Corinthians 1–4. This work of critical scholarship is recommended for all specialists and non-specialist students of Saint Paul.
Kenneth A. Fox, PhD
Visiting Professor of New Testament,
Alliance Graduate School and Asia Graduate School of Theology, Philippines
Accurate interpretation of 1 Corinthians requires understanding both the social context of the church in Corinth and the rhetoric of Paul’s response to the church’s problems. Rojas’s judicious and painstaking sociological and rhetorical analysis of 1 Corinthians 1–4 shines a light not only on the exegesis of the letter but also on boasting, divisions, and following Jesus Christ in every age.
Brian S. Rosner, PhD
Principal,
Ridley College, Australia
Dr. Rojas’s book is worth reading for its detailed explanation of the social context and rhetorical situation in the church in Corinth, but more than that, it is worth reading for the way in which it challenges our own false sense of superiority and our own failure to seek after the wisdom of God.
Joel F. Williams, PhD
Professor of New Testament Studies,
Biblical Seminary of the Philippines
Table of Contents
- Acknowledgements
- Abstract
- Abbreviations
- Chapter 1 Introduction
- 1.1 State of the Question
- 1.2 Research Problem
- 1.3 Methodology
- 1.4 Overview of the Study and Application of the Method to the Study