Abstract
Paul’s use of metaphorical fatherhood in 1 Corinthians 4:14–21 is unprecedented. It does not have non-Pauline and Second Temple Jewish parallels that are dated to or before 54–55 CE when 1 Corinthians was likely written. It is also distinct from Paul’s use of metaphorical fatherhood in 1 Thessalonians 2:11–12, which is the only Pauline usage of metaphorical fatherhood dated before 54–55 CE. Thus, this thesis attempts to explain Paul’s use of metaphorical fatherhood in 1 Corinthians 4:14–21 by investigating how and why Paul uses metaphorical fatherhood in 4:14–21 in reference to the Corinthian schism (1 Cor 1:10–12).
The first part of the thesis (Chapters 1–6) lays the groundwork for my interpretation of Paul’s use of metaphorical fatherhood in 1 Corinthians 4:14–21, which the second part of the thesis (Chapter 7) presents. In the first part, I begin by introducing the thesis in the context of recent research on Paul’s use of metaphorical fatherhood in 4:14–21, which involves suggesting five factors that previous scholarship on this use of metaphorical fatherhood has not considered coherently and together. I also propose the methodology of the thesis, which combines two constituents of relevance theory (the principle of relevance and the presumption of optimal relevance) and the historical-critical method, and my view of when Paul likely wrote 1 Corinthians.
The first part of the thesis focuses on the five factors mentioned above. The first factor comprises five dimensions of the cognitive environment of fatherhood from which Paul’s use of metaphorical fatherhood in 1 Corinthians 4:14–21 draws. The second factor is the necessity to interpret 4:14–21 as a Greco-Roman epistolary body-unit-closing with two rhetorical features (i.e., Paul’s metaphorical-paternal exemplum in 1 Cor 4:16 and non-syllogistic enthymeme in 4:21). For the third factor, I scrutinize Paul’s view and censure of the Corinthian schism (1 Cor 1:10–12) in 1:10–4:13. I delve into the fourth factor, the likely parallel between Paul’s metaphorical self-portraits (i.e., mother and father) and portrayals of the Corinthian assembly (i.e., infants and children) in 3:1–2a; 4:14c, 15b. Lastly, I examine the fifth factor, namely, whether Paul’s use of metaphorical fatherhood in 1 Corinthians 4:14–21 is apologetic or didactic.
I present my interpretation of Paul’s use of metaphorical fatherhood in 1 Corinthians 4:14–21 in Chapter 7 (the second part of the thesis). I argue that Paul uses metaphorical fatherhood in 4:14–21 as the modus operandi of his apostolic actions in 4:14–21, which are subservient to his two apostolic purposes in 4:14–21. The first apostolic purpose is to admonish the factionalizing Corinthian assembly (1 Cor 4:14c; i.e., encouraging them to embrace the mindset of the self-giving Christ [1 Cor 2:16c] whom Paul understands as God’s incongruous gift. Paul’s apostolic actions in 4:14–17, 21 strive to accomplish this purpose. The second apostolic purpose is to nullify the influence of certain influential members (τινες [1 Cor 4:18b]) of the assembly and those members’ reasoning (1 Cor 4:19d). Paul’s apostolic actions in 4:15a, 18–20 seek to achieve that purpose. Thus, Paul’s use of metaphorical fatherhood in 1 Corinthians 4:14–21 proves to be multidimensional.
I also contend that Paul’s attainment of his first apostolic purpose above can fulfill his exhortation in 1 Corinthians 1:10b, d-e (τὸ αὐτὸ λέγητε πάντες … ἦτε δὲ κατηρτισμένοι ἐν τῷ αὐτῷ νοῒ καὶ ἐν τῇ αὐτῇ γνώμῃ) and neutralize two aspects of the Corinthian schism (i.e., the cause of the issue of the schism and the root of that cause). Furthermore, I propound that Paul’s achievement of his second purpose above can help the Corinthian assembly reject being under the influence of the τινες and their reasoning. Therefore, I argue that Paul likely thinks his multidimensional use of metaphorical fatherhood in 1 Corinthians 4:14–21 will be effective to bring about the healing of the schism. Chapter 8 concludes by summarizing the major arguments of the thesis and suggesting further areas of research.