| This dissertation argues that the mystery cults caused some of the problems Paul confronts in 1 Corinthians 1-4. It begins by placing this hypothesis in dialogue with other opinions about Paul's opponents in 1 Corinthians. It then provides an overview of the Corinth Paul saw and the Corinthians he encountered. From there, the dissertation makes two unique contributions: First, it consolidates the best archeological evidence that places specific mystery cults in first-century Corinth. Second, it discusses how Paul's use of rhetoric brings this cultic confusion and Paul's response to it into clearer relief. The dissertation then concludes that the mystery-cults were known in Corinth when Paul preached there and that Paul writes 1 Corinthians 1-4 in part to clear up the confusion they helped cause. |
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