Paul’s Theology of Preaching: The Apostle’s Challenge to the Art of Persuasion in Ancient Corinth
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
“We preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” When Paul preached about the crucified and risen Jesus Christ to the church at Corinth and elsewhere, did he follow the well-established rhetorical strategy of his day or did he pursue a different path? And what does that mean for the preaching of the church today? Through a detailed analysis of 1 Corinthians 1-4, Duane Litfin explores the rhetorical context of Paul’s preaching and his own understanding of his task as a preacher. What is revealed in this investigation is a sharp distinction between Greco-Roman rhetorical strategies, which sought to persuade, and Paul’s theology of preaching, which was based on the model of an obedient herald. This revised and expanded version of Litfin’s previous St. Paul’s Theology of Proclamation will provide insight to those engaged in Pauline and New Testament studies, rhetorical theory, and Greco-Roman studies. Moreover, by offering a better understanding of Paul's method as well as the content of his declaration concerning “the power and wisdom of God” revealed in Jesus, this book will help preachers as they undertake the ongoing task to “preach Christ crucified.”
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- Explores the rhetorical context of Paul’s preaching
- Reveals a distinction between Greco-Roman rhetorical strategies and Paul’s theology of preaching
- Provides insight to those engaged in Pauline and New Testament studies, rhetorical theory, and Greco-Roman studies
- The Beginnings
- The Goal of Rhetoric
- The Power of Rhetoric
- The Reach of Rhetoric
- The Genius of Rhetoric
- The Appraisal of Rhetoric
- The Hazards of Rhetoric
- The Rewards of Rhetoric
- The Grand Equation of Rhetoric
- Paul and Rhetoric in Corinth
- The Setting of 1 Corinthians 1—4
- Paul’s Argument Introduced: 1 Corinthians 1:1-17
- Paul’s Argument Begun: 1 Corinthians 1:17-20
- Paul’s Argument Encapsulated: 1 Corinthians 1:21
- Paul’s Argument Continued: 1 Corinthians 1:22—2:5
- Paul’s Argument Completed: 1 Corinthians 2:6—4:21
- Paul’s Ministry Model
- Final Questions
- Appropriate Strategies
- Conclusion: The Pauline Model
- Appendix One: Paul, Apollos and Philo
- Appendix Two: The Book of Acts
- Appendix Three: Paul’s Epistemology
- Appendix Four: Implications for Preaching
- Appendix Five: Broader Implications
Part I: Greco-Roman Rhetoric
Part II: 1 Corinthians 1—4
Part III: Summary and Analysis
Compelling. Insightful. Timely. A landmark book. Writing for theologians, pastors and students, Dr. Litfin harvests the fruit from more than forty years of focused study, showing the difference between the results-oriented persuader and the faithful herald. In a world where the biblical preacher has too often been replaced by the shrewd marketer, the magnetic entertainer and the ‘change-the-world campaign strategist,’ this book is desperately needed.
—Colin Smith, senior pastor, The Orchard EFC, president, Unlocking the Bible
Paul's disavowal of the use of rhetoric in 1 Corinthians 1:17-21 has perplexed interpreters and spurred considerable debate in recent years. Duane Litfin examines this passage in the context of Greco-Roman rhetorical practice and generates a very convincing thesis. He argues that in his evangelism Paul rejects using rhetorical techniques to persuade his listeners of the truth of the gospel because he does not want their faith to be based on his creative arguments. Rather, he proclaims the gospel, allowing the Holy Spirit to generate faith in the hearts of those who are open to belief. The Holy Spirit, not persuasive arguments, provides a firm ground for faith. Litfin's carefully nuanced study of 1 Corinthians 1–4 in its first-century context provides not only the most plausible interpretation of Paul’s disavowal of rhetorical usage to date, but also a model for preaching that is aware of the call and commission of the human herald and the Holy Spirit’s role in opening the heart of the hearer to the proclamation of the gospel.
—Duane F. Watson, professor of New Testament studies, Malone University, Canton, OH
Culminating an illustrious career as a pastor, professor and college president, Dr. Duane Litfin delivers his magnum opus in Paul’s Theology of Preaching. This is ecclesial theology at its finest: scholarly yet not arcane, theological yet not obscure, relevant yet not cookie-cutter. This isn’t simply an excellent book on Paul’s theology of preaching; it's a prophetic call to a radically God-centered approach to Christian ministry.
—Todd Wilson, senior pastor, Calvary Memorial Church, cofounder and chairman, The Center for Pastor Theologians, author of Real Christian