PAUL AND THE RHETORIC OF REVERSAL: KERYGMATIC ...

In this chapter I seek to attend to the exegetical insights that Chrysostom brings as both an
expositor and creative applier of 1 Corinthians.
Paul as Pastoral Model
Frederic Henry Chase rightly captures the pastor John’s interest in the pastor Paul:
[Chrysostom] rejoices to mark how the great missionary pastor varies rebuke
with commendation…. [Chrysostom himself] was an Expositor because he was
first of all a Pastor. 7
Indeed, it seems that Chrysostom’s immediate interest in approaching Paul’s letters in a
homiletic setting is the question: “What is Paul’s pastoral approach?” This question
permeates and steers his discussion of 1 Corinthians, 8 and leads him to reflect on an
apostolic author who is pastorally sensitive and rhetorically competent.
Pastorally Sensitive
Perhaps the most important feature of Chrysostom’s impression of Paul is that the apostle
is pastorally sensitive, carefully and lovingly arranging his discussion for the sake of his
hearers’ spiritual health:
For this is the character of Paul: even on the basis of little things he composes big
praise, but he does not do this with flattery; by no means! For how could he who
7 Frederic Henry Chase, Chrysostom: A Study in the History of Biblical Interpretation
(1887; repr. Charleston, S.C.: Bibliolife, 2009), 179.
8 So in Homily 1, for example, he calls his hearers to observe Paul’s pastoral aim: “Do you
see how with each word he pulls down their puffed up pride, training their thoughts by
every means for heaven?” Homily 1 on 1 Corinthians; PG 61.13. In Homily 2,
Chrysostom draws attention to Paul’s covert method of confrontation: “By means of
praises and thanksgivings he touches them harshly”. Homily 2 on 1 Corinthians; PG
61.17. All further references to Chrysostom’s homilies are to the series on 1 Corinthians.
All translations and emphases are my own. I cite and translate from the Patrologia
Graeca edition, with an awareness of Frederick Field’s critical edition.
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