Where is the Wise Man? : Graeco-Roman Education as a Background to the Divisions in 1 Corinthians 1–4

Abstract

This thesis investigates the divisions in the Corinthian church that Paul names in 1 Corinthians 1:12: "Each of you says, 'I follow Paul,' or 'I follow Apollos,' or 'I follow Cephas,' or 'I follow Christ.'" The investigation seeks to locate them in the milieu of firstcentury Graeco-Roman education. By consulting relevant literary and epigraphic evidence, I will develop a picture of ancient education both throughout the Empire generally and in Roman Corinth specifically. This will serve as a backdrop to the situation in the Christian community, wherein some of the elite, educated members have preferred Apollos to Paul as a teacher since Apollos more closely resembles other teachers of higher studies. developed. Several months later, I accompanied Bruce and his students on a trip to Corinth and Ephesus and their surrounding cities; here, ideas for the thesis were further discussed and developed. I am thus indebted to Bruce for the early development of this thesis.My greatest acknowledgement, however, goes to my primary supervisor, Dr. Chris Forbes. Despite his heavy teaching load over the three years of my research, he always made time to meet and chat with me about ideas that I was considering. Chris' knowledge of ancient philosophers and his own research in 1 Corinthians proved to be a continual comfort as he was able to guide me confidently through areas that I had never been before. Moreover, his careful and critical reading of the final thesis has been invaluable to the finished product. Needless to say, I am indebted to the time and encouragement that Chris has contributed both to my research and to myself as a scholar. In addition, I would like to acknowledge my associate supervisor, Professor Larry Welborn. Larry joined the faculty at Macquarie University on a half-yearly basis around the time I began my candidature and very kindly agreed to assist me in my research. Larry's expertise in 1 and 2 Corinthians are second to none. His work Paul, the Fool of Christ, in addition to his recent work An End to Enmity, have been a source of great inspiration to not only my Christian faith, but particularly to my research. For this reason, they are frequently cited throughout this thesis. Moreover, the numerous discussions I was able to have with him, in addition to the chapters that he read of my work, were both informative and encouraging. Along the way, several members of the Ancient History Department at Macquarie also assisted me. Dr. Don Barker very kindly read drafts of several chapters and was able to offer helpful insights into the work. Professor Alanna Nobbs read a later draft of the first half of the thesis and noted further areas that I could improve the work. My friend and colleague, Brad Bitner, introduced me to, and gave me a crash course in, epigraphy. This became invaluable at points of my argument. Please note, however, that any failings on my part as an epigraphist are mine as a student and certainly do not reflect shortcomings of my teacher. In particular, I would like to thank Professor Paul McKe...