Approaches to the Study of Apocalyptic Judgment Language in Paul and in 1 Corinthians

Abstract

There are a number of studies which treat the theme of divine judgment in Paul's letters. This chapter reviews these as they relate to the role of future judgment in 1 Corinthians. The majority of scholars have approached the theme of judgment in Kabisch Paul out of concern with the theological issue of the apparent contradiction between judgment according to works and justification by faith. The different goals with which Paul's eschatology has been approached have led to a wide variety of views on the importance of the future for Paul. Albert Schweitzer used eschatology as the key to understanding the development of dogma from Jesus to Paul and beyond. In his treatment of Paul, Schweitzer used Paul's apocalyptic orientation as a polemical weapon against any view that saw an essential hellenization of Christianity prior to or in Paul.Keywords: 1 Corinthians; Albert Schweitzer; apocalyptic eschatology; Christianity; Jesus; Kabisch Paul