Paul and his Rivals

At the heart of Paul's Corinthian correspondence is a historical puzzle. How did the relative calm of 1 Corinthians deteriorate into the chaos of 2 Corinthians, and what role did the so-called Jewish super-apostles play in that conflict? This book proposes a new solution: it was Paul, not his rivals, who shot the first volley in the Corinthian conflict.

Paul's claims of unique authorityfor instance, as the architect atop whose foundation all others must build (1 Cor 3:10) and the Corinthians' father while others are mere pedagogues (4:15)would relegate other leaders to lesser positions. His contention that accepting financial support put an obstacle before the gospel (9:12) would jeopardize the livelihood of apostles who relied on such support. Finally, Paul's claim that he becomes lawless to the lawless (9:21) or that circumcision is nothing (7:19) could throw into question Paul's own Jewishness (cf. 2 Cor 11:22). By reading the Corinthian correspondence against the grainimagining how Paul's letter might have backfired for an audience who did not yet take him as scripturethis book explores how misunderstandings and misinterpretations can fracture church communities and cause a ripple effect of conflict and accusation.