Paul and empire : patronage in the Pauline rhetoric of 1 Corinthians 4:14-21

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In reading the letters of Paul to the community in Corinth, it becomes apparent that Paulcommunicated from a position of authority. Given the existence of the mighty Roman Empire atthe time of Paul's writings, it raises questions regarding the ways such Empire would haveaffected Paul. This study assesses the possibility that Paul was influenced, not only by thematerial Roman world, but also by the socio-political and social-cultural dynamics of the Romanorder. Paul may have utilised such order, but as spiritual leader, he could also have opposed itto his own ends and aims. The purpose of this study is to investigate such dynamism.The point of departure is, firstly to briefly discuss the nature of the Roman Empire that filled theancient Roman world with coinage, statues, temples, poetry, song and public rhetoric. Theubiquitous Roman Empire enforced itself through power dynamics constituted in physical force,rhetoric, the patronage system and the Imperial Cult. Patronage operated in tandem with otheraspects of the imperial system as a means of social control. It leads, therefore, to a morefocussed investigation of patronage as one of the significant dimensions of Empire. Honour,prestige and status disparity governed social relations through complex, reciprocal relationships.No one was immune to the social tug-of-war, and within this context, Paul engaged in hisCorinthian correspondence.Paul's first Corinthian correspondence, specifically 1 Cor 4:14-21, is then comparativelyinvestigated in the light of patronage as dimension of Empire. Paul integrated values such ashonour and shame, and used the system of patronage in order to achieve his objectives with theCorinthian community. The socio-rhetorical analysis of this section of Paul's correspondenceinvestigates socio-cultural, intertextual and ideological aspects of the text. 1 Cor 4:14-21 is theculmination of the first part of Paul's argument for ὁμόνια (concord), and he empowers hisdeliberation through patronage. He positions himself uniquely as father of the community, whichempowers him with patria potestas (absolute authority). He also describes the way theCorinthians should bestow honour upon themselves. Paul's use of a challenge-riposte andencomium brings all the weight of his argument to bear, upon his mimetic command to μιμηταίμου γίνεσθε (be imitators of me).The findings of this study indicate that Paul also opposes Empire in various ways. He opposespatronage, when he champions allegiance to an alternative Κύριος (Lord) that represents analternative kingdom. He acts as a broker between Christ and the community, but the reciprocalrelationship consists of shameful behaviour. Paul's application of patronage does not serve toenhance his social position and poses a significant challenge to the norms of patronage in theEmpire. The patent and unresolved tension within his rhetoric stretches between liberal use ofpatronage, and his opposition of aspects of the imperial order, such as patronage and the abuseof power. This leads to the conclusion that Paul still subjected the attributes of Empire to hisown objectives. He had more than a purely political or merely spiritual agenda in mind andultimately this remains the power and mystery of his argument.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University