PAUL AND THE RHETORIC OF REVERSAL: KERYGMATIC ...

I do not consider it unreasonable to describe 1 Corinthians as evidencing “deliberative
rhetoric”, if by that term one means that the letter attempts to persuade its hearers to take a
particular course of action. But I contend that the concept of a kerygmatic rhetoric of reversal
presented in this study carries greater explanatory power than the conventional macro-structure
of a deliberative speech as an account of the movement of 1 Corinthians.
3. The Coherence and Arrangement of 1 Corinthians
I therefore present a summary of the arrangement of 1 Corinthians, expressing the coherence
of the letter as a pastorally-formulated response to problems of cultural compromise in Corinth
(arising especially from contentions over leadership), urging dependent identification with
Christ in his death and deferred risen manifestation as an alternative to the present Corinthian
boastful, present-obsessed human autonomy. 4
4 Although my study has particularly concerned the generally-agreed main body of the letter
(1:10-15:58), it will be evident from this overview that chapter 16 fits entirely with the
direction I have suggested for the rest of the letter. Paul applies the climactic exhortation of
15:58 to the primary presenting problem in Corinth, calling the community to honour those
who labour (rather than being puffed up over them or crowding them out).
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