Paul's Role as 'Father' to his Corinthian 'Children' in Socio-Historical Context (1 Corinthians 4:14-21)

In 1 Cor. 4.21, Paul threatens to return to Corinth with a rod of discipline in order to deal with certain arrogant members of the Christian community. In addressing the passage, scholars generally gloss over the metaphor with little regard to its meaning. Those who do comment assume it refers to some kind of rebuke on Paul’s part but go no further in their interpretation. This article seeks to discuss the metaphor’s intended meaning, arguing that the rod comes on the back of two prior warnings outlined in 1 Cor. 4.14-20 and is itself the final act of discipline to divisive members of the church: excommunication.

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Paul’s Apologia in 1 Corinthians 1-4 and the Concept of Paterfamilias

Mihăilă

2019

Perichoresis

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In Paul’s argument against dissensions, Paul is said to have tried to regain his authority before the Corinthians. The first rhetorical unit is thus seen as an apologia. In his argument, he seemingly uses the concept of paterfamilias known to have evoked power and control. However, such a proposal neglects the fact that Paul’s argument is against exactly such type of discourse in which one seeks to elevate one teacher against another. Rather, in the use of the concept of paterfamilias we should see Paul redefining the concept and filling it with affection.

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Paul's Role as 'Father' to his Corinthian 'Children' in Socio-Historical Context (1 Corinthians 4:14-21)

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Gendered Ideology and Power in 1 Corinthians

Gendered Ideology and Power in 1 Corinthians

The Rod as Excommunication: A Possible Meaning for an Ambiguous Metaphor in 1 Corinthians 4.21

Paul’s Apologia in 1 Corinthians 1-4 and the Concept of Paterfamilias

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