A Tale of Two Churches: Distinctive Social and Economic Dynamics at Thessalonica and Corinth

Description

Though a majority of commentators have admitted or naturally assumed that there were many divergences amongst the Pauline churches, many tend to concentrate on similarities more than dissimilarities (contra. John M. G. Barclay; Craig de Vos). Especially, the previous scholarly treatments of divergences in the Pauline churches have shed little light on certain areas of study, in particular the early Christians' socio-economic status. The thesis, therefore, underlines the conspicuous differences between the Thessalonian and Corinthian congregations concerning their socio-economic compositions, social relationships, and further social identities, while extrapolating certain circles of causality between them through socio-economic and social-scientific criticism. This study concludes Paul's teachings of grace, community, and ethics were manifested and modified in different communities in different ways because of these different socio-economic contexts. Preface Contents 1 Introduction and Methodology 2 Paul’s Letter to Free(d) Casual Workers: Profiling the Thessalonians in Light of the Roman Economy 3 Dynamic Socio-Economic Phenomena in Thessalonica: Status, Relationships, and Identity 4 Paul’s Letter to a Diverse Community in Corinth: Profiling the Corinthians in Light of Roman Culture 5 Dynamic Socio-Economic Phenomena in Corinth: Status, Relationships, and Identity 6 Conclusion Abbreviations Bibliography Index of Subjects