A Rhetoric of Power: Ideology and 1 Corinthians 1-4

Abstract

In her seminal study of the theme of imitation in Paul, Elizabeth Castelli explores the way in which Paul employs this theme in 1 Cor. 4: 16. In doing so she places 4: 16 within its rhetorical context of 1 Cor. 1: 1 0-4:21 where Paul addresses the problem of factionalism within the community. This chapter demonstrates that the power of Paul's rhetoric resides strongly in its ideological nature, or what Vernon Robbins calls its ideological texture. The concept of ideology has a long and varied history. The close link between Paul's rhetoric and his attempt to re-establish his own dominance over the community necessitates us first looking at his rhetorical construction in 1 Corinthians 1-4. Confronted by a situation in which he perceived that some members of the church in Corinth were engaged in factious behavior, Paul was forced into a response. Keywords: Corinthians 1-4; Elizabeth Castelli; Paul's rhetoric functions