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Epideictic
Rhetoric
Prof.
Joop F. M. Smit
Quite a few scholars, among others Pogoloff, Litfin, Winter, hold that especially in 1 Cor 1:17-2:5 Paul rejects the use of rhetoric in Christian proclamation. Against this opinion I intend to propose that in 1 Cor 1-4 Paul deliberately demonstrates his rhetorical ability. To substantiate this thesis I shall bring forward two observations. First, in 1 Cor 1:18-31; 2:6-16; 3:5-17;4:6-13 Paul uses four species of epideictic rhetoric, videlicet enkomion paradoxon, endoxon, amphidoxon and adoxon. Secondly, in 1 Cor 3:5-17 and 4:6-13 Paul uses several terms which have a rhetorical connotation. Here, in covert terms, he uses the metalanguage of rhetorical theory and thereby comments upon the rhetorical moves he actually is making. This demonstration is meant to strengthen Paul's ethos with the Corinthians. As to rhetorical ability he is second to no one, certainly not to Apollos.
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