Kein Gewinn = Gewinn Die kynisch geprägte Struktur der Argumentation in 1 Tim 6:3-12

Abstract

In the last chapter of 1 Timothy there is one passage arguing passionately and polemically against diff erently minded teachers. It calls on its readers to beware of the diff erent teaching (1 Tim 6:3-12). Th is New Testament text brings forward a train of thought that shows far reaching parallels to the Cynic Philosophy of the 1st and 2nd centuries A.D. Th e criticism which 1 Timothy passes on its opponents corresponds to the criticism of the contemporary Cynics against their adversaries. It mainly concerns the hypocritical motivations that lead the diff erently minded teachers to preach their message: according to the view of their critics they only aim to make money out of their teachings. In this reasoning polemical and paraenetical components unite. Th e careful consideration of this New Testament passage's similarity to the cynic world of thought also faciliates the description of the specifi c character in the intention of 1 Timothy against the cynic background, i.e. the christological accentuation of the favoured good teaching and lifestyle.