PAUL AND THE RHETORIC OF REVERSAL: KERYGMATIC ...

• In knowledge (and freedom): Chapters 8–10
• In rebellion: Chapter 11a
• In material & spiritual egoism: Chapter 11b
• In the most sparkling spirituality: Chapters 12–14
But the expectation of future resurrection reveals that all people need life that comes from
God. (Chapter 15)
Wolfhart Pannenberg uses the phrase “human self-assertion before God”, and concedes a
similarity with the bold self-assertion polemically addressed in the book of Romans:
[H]uman self-assertion before God is inherent in both justification through the
works of the law and wisdom. Paul’s attack [in 1 Corinthians] was directed
against groups that claimed a specific spiritual experience and wisdom while
denying a place of central importance to the cross of Christ. 192
Thiselton considers that socio-historical factors may be examined alongside a consistent
theological problem that is expressed, as has been noted, in the Corinthians’ “premature
triumphalism” and spiritual enthusiasm. 193 This enthusiastic spirituality is hinted at in
chapters 1–4, and is reflected more prominently as the letter progresses.
Wolff argues that the Corinthian pursuit of self-attestation is opposed by the cross, which
contradicts human conceptions of God and salvation. Paul’s own willing cruciformity
presents a corrective to those in Corinth who try to enthusiastically leap over the present
into the eschaton. 194
That Paul is opposing contentions over leadership that he perceives as expressing an
orientation of boastful, present-obsessed human autonomy thus finds strong resonance
192 Wolfhart Pannenberg, “A Theology of the Cross,” WW 8/2 (1988): 162-172; 163.
193 Thiselton reflects approvingly on Schrage’s insights: “[H]e speaks of the premature
triumphalism of the addressees as the “illusion of the enthusiasts”… for those whose
emphasis on the Spirit overlooked the realities of continuing sin and struggle, and the need
for discipline and order”. Thiselton, First Epistle, 358.
194 Wolff, Der erste Brief, 8-9.
185