The Community, the Individual, and the Common Good: To Idion and To Sympheron in the Greco-Roman World and Paul (Library of New Testament Studies | LNTS)

by Kei Eun Chang

Publisher:

Bloomsbury

, 2013

Overview

This book investigates Paul’s effort to combat factionalism by his use of the Greco-Roman rhetoric of “the common advantage” to overcome socio-ethical problems caused by the improper exercise of “private advantage” in Corinth. Chang examines the common advantage, first, as a fundamental principle that defined human and societal relationships in the Greco-Roman world. He explores how the neglect and misunderstanding of this principle lay at the root of relational and societal breakdowns. The book further examines Paul’s use of the term and demonstrates that, when properly understood and appropriated, the principle of the common advantage is pivotal to keeping societies and relationships dynamic and healthy. Conversely, when common advantage is not functioning and, concomitantly, private advantage is wrongly emphasized at its expense, relational, societal, and ecclesiastical breakdowns occur. The book culminates in demonstrating that, for Paul, the common advantage carries missional and salvific implications that override and subvert socio-ethnic boundaries. In this way, otherwise hostile social groups will realize a healthy symbiosis.

Key Features

• Discusses the Greco-Roman rhetoric of “the common advantage” as a societal principle
• Examines Paul’s use of “the common advantage” in his letter to Corinth

Contents

• Chapter 1: Introduction
• Chapter 2: The Part-Whole Argument and Τὸ Συμφέρον in Antiquity
• Chapter 3: The Part-Whole Body Politic and Functions of Τὸ Συμφέρον
• Chapter 4: Τὸ Συμφέρον and Cicero’s De Officiis
• Chapter 5: Paul’s Use of Part-Whole Argument of Τὸ Συμφέρον in 1 Corinthians
• Chapter 6: Conclusion—Τὸ Συμφέρον for the Advantage of the Gospel to the Many

Product Details

• Title: The Community, the Individual, and the Common Good: Τὸ ʼ′Ιδιον and Τὸ Συμφέρον in the Greco-Roman World and Paul
• Author: Kei Eun Chang
• Series: The Library of New Testament Studies
• Publisher: T&T Clark
• Publication Date: 2013
• Pages: 272
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Topic: Bible Backgrounds

About Kei Eun Chang

Kei Eun Chang earned a PhD in New Testament and Christian origins from Boston University. He continues his scholarly research and is currently leader minister of New Hampshire Korean Christian Church in New Hampshire.