‘Like the Scum of the World, the Refuse of All’: A Study of the Background and Usage of περίψημα and περικάθαρμα in 1 Corinthians 4.13b

Abstract

It has been widely assumed that Paul uses περίψημα and περικάθαρμα in 1 Cor. 4.13b in order to help the reader associate Christ-like apostolic suffering with the dehumanizing experience of the victims of expulsion rituals, since both words were allegedly used as technical terms for expulsion victims in the ancient Mediterranean world. A survey of the pertinent literature and inscriptions shows, however, that the terms were hardly ever connected with expulsion rituals until the ninth century, when Photius or the Byzantine churches of his time finally made the association in order to promote self-giving service among the believers. In view of this, the article also briefly explores possible alternative backgrounds to Paul’s use of the terms.