Invitation to help form a new Society of Biblical Literature Seminar

The Transformation and Weaving of Scripture in 1 Corinthians

In view of work already done on biblical use of older texts, including Paul’s use of Scripture, it seems appropriate that further exploration of Paul be especially attentive to two possibilities: (1) ways of using Scripture that transform the text and are difficult to notice—ways with precedents in ancient writing, but, for their detection, in need of rigorous application of clear criteria; (2) the process, reflected in many ancient authors, of weaving older writings together and thus forming them into something new. It is also  appropriate to concentrate energy on one epistle. It maximizes mutual learning and in-depth study. First Corinthians is particularly suitable because within the NT it is Paul’s earliest extensive writing. Furthermore, First Corinthians has seminal elements, and among Paul’s epistles, “it deal[s] with the greatest variety of subjects” (J. Murphy-O’Connor, Keys to First Corinthians, OUP, 2009, v). If the search is for roots, this is a promising place to start. Work already done on 1 Corinthians confirms this promising character. Further work on this early document, if done well, can make a significant contribution to NT studies.

If interested please contact thomasbrodie@eircom.net and, as well as communicating by email, we can meet briefly in Atlanta on November 20, at the end of the first session of the Paul and Scripture Seminar (S20-328, Saturday, 4.00-6.30).

 Thomas Brodie, Dominican Biblical Institute, Limerick, Ireland

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