Divisions within the Corinthian Community: Theological Parties

Abstract

In ancient philosophy, the role of a teacher was traditionally emphasized. Under the influence of this tradition, Corinthian Christians thought it essential to follow the line of a particular authoritative apostle. This led to creation of divisions within the Community: “Paul’s party” insisted on the law-free gospel, “Cephas’ party” was more traditionally Jewish; “Apollos’ party” was fascinated by Hellenistic Jewish wisdom. Insisting on their adherence to the “proper” authority, the Corinthians also sought to elevate their own status. Paul suggests a value reorientation – God’s wisdom and glory instead of human wisdom and glory – and adherence to the “party of Christ”. This is a radical Christ-centeredness, which relativizes the importance of any human teacher.

Keywords

• early corinthians
• rhetoric
• theological parties
• christ-centeredness
• первое послание к коринфянам
• риторика
• богословские партии
• христоцентричность
• библеистика
• biblical studies