Social Conflicts in the Corinthian Community: Further Remarks on J.J. Meggitt, Paul, Poverty and Survival

Abstract

It is disputed whether the conflicts in the Corinthian congregation were influenced by social factors or not. This article begins by discussing the social status of Paul, which may have shaped his outlook, and Paul's statements on the congregation as a whole. The main part analyses two conflicts concerning Christian and pagan cultic meals. Taking seriously the criticism of J.J. Meggitt in his book Paul, Poverty, and Survival (1998) it makes a case for the sociological explanation of the group conflicts visible at the Lord's supper and the controversy about idol meat (1 Cor 8.1-10.33), reworking old arguments concerning meal habits and adding some new arguments based, for example, on the social function of the macellum.

Paul’s Letter to Free(d) Casual Workers: Profiling the Thessalonians in Light of the Roman Economy

“…8.2, while encouraging the Corinthians to collect offerings for Jerusalem. Wayne Meeks insists that such an expression is Paul’s rhetoric and may be discounted as hyperbole with the goal of winning the collection (2003: 66; cf. Barclay 1993: 519 n. 23).…”

“…8.2) does not seem to be mere rhetoric and hyperbole. As Theissen points out, the issue at stake in this statement is not only Paul’s collection from the Corinthians for Jerusalem but also his integrity and apostleship (Theissen 2003: 376; cf. Friesen 2004: 351).…”

“… 1. Deissmann 1908, 1910, 1957; Kautsky 1908: 338-73; Theissen 1982, 1993; 2001: 65-84; 2003: 371-91; Meggitt 1998; 2001: 85-94; Longenecker 2009: 36-59; 2010; Friesen 2004: 323-61; Meeks 2003: 51-73; Malherbe 1977; Brookins 2017: 57-87; Scheidel and Friesen 2009: 61-91. …”

Practise Love and Follow Christ: The Profound Relevance of Romans to Holistic Mission

“…Journal for the Study of the New Testament 84: 51–64; Theissen G (2001) The Social Structure of Pauline Communities: Some Critical Remarks on J. J. Meggitt, Paul, Poverty and Survival. Journal for the Study of the New Testament 84: 65–84; Theissen G (2003) Social Conflicts in the Corinthian Community: Further Remarks on J. J. Meggitt, Paul, Poverty and Survival. Journal for the Study of the New Testament 25: 371–391 and Meggitt’s response in Meggitt JJ (2001) Responses to Martin and Theissen.…”