Q. In reading through the chapter on 1 Corinthians and the cross, I am reminded of the old scholarly dictum that there are basically two kinds of Pauline letters— problem solving letters and progress-oriented letters with 1 Cor. being an example of the former and Philippians the latter. What occurred to me in reading that chapter is that ‘cross talk’ seems to come up more in a problem-solving letter like 1 Corinthians than in a progress-oriented letter like Philippians. Have you notice a pattern to Paul’s rhetorical use of cross language, other than he uses it to destroy divisions in a congregation?
A.Paul’s most extensive discussion of the cross is in 1 Corinthians, as you indicate. Of course, the cross is also at the center of 2 Corinthians, as Paul consistently maintains that he participates in the cross. Philippians is a brief letter, but chapters 2 and 3 focus on the cross also. “Even death on a cross” in the hymn accents the cross, and Paul’s argument that he participates in the cross (3:10) also maintains that focus. Although Paul appeals to the cross regularly as his basic premise, it may be fair to say that he develops this theme when he wants to undermine common cultural values, as in 1 and 2 Corinthians and Philippians.
Q. There is no doubt that the word of the cross and the virtue of humility enunciate counter-cultural values for Christians. And there are constantly Pauline warnings to ‘not allow the world to squeeze you into its mold’ as Peterson puts the saying in Rom. 12. But at the same time, Paul affirms some Greco-Roman values like patience and endurance and kindness, though always seeing them through the filter of Christ’s example (and his own). If you had to summarize how Paul urged his converts to be in the world (and share the Gospel) but not be of the world, what exactly do you think he told them?
A. I believe that 1 Thessalonians is an example of Paul’s catechesis for new converts. I believe that it is more catechesis for new converts than a response to a specific situation. The repeated “you know” in 1 Thessalonians indicates that he is repeating his catechesis. The ethical section in chapters 4-5 indicates Paul’s catechesis, as the repeated “I have already told you” indicates. Catechesis involves repetition of the basic Christian story (cf. 1 Cor.4:14) and the moral dimensions of the new existence (cf. 1 Thess. 4:1-12; 5:1-11).
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