'Big Men' in Corinth

Abstract

J.H. Neyrey's use of Douglas's 'Grid and Group' matrix to analyse differing atti tudes to the body in 1 Corinthians is contested. An analysis of the social situation underlying the letter reveals that the apostle should be 'high group / low grid', with a strong emphasis on corporate identity and rejection of the surrounding culture, while the Corinthians should be 'low group / high grid', with a lack of group cohesion and a readiness to integrate with the surrounding culture. In the light of Douglas's portrait of the 'Big Men' in New Guinea, it is suggested that the local leaders of the rival factions of 1.12 were competing with each other and with Paul himself for followers, and that 1 Cor. 1—4, 9 should be read as Paul's attempt to reassert his apostolic authority by defending himself against the attacks of the leaders of the local factions, and by appealing directly to the loyalty of the greater number of disadvantaged members of the church