How the divorce/remarriage tradition in 1 Corinthians 7 sheds light on the interpretation of the Synoptic Gospels

Object Type: Asset
In Folder: MTh theses

Expand to show object metadata

How the divorce/remarriage tradition in 1 Corinthians 7 sheds light on the interpretation of the Synoptic Gospels

Dublin Core Metadata

title: How the divorce/remarriage tradition in 1 Corinthians 7 sheds light on the interpretation of the Synoptic Gospels

creator: Webster, Daniel J.

subject: Bible - Corinthians - Criticism, interpretation, etc.

subject: Divorce - Religious aspects.

description: Abstract reads : "Divorce and remarriage is a controversial topic in relation to biblical interpretation. In seeking to interpret Jesus’ teaching on the topic (as presented in the Synoptics), the exegete faces various interpretive uncertainties. The thesis of the present study is that an examination of Paul’s use of the Jesus Tradition (JT) on divorce and remarriage in 1 Cor 7 can shed light on such interpretive uncertainties. The study first outlines a model for the use and transmission of JT. This in turn leads to a method for identifying the stable core of a JT as well as the kinds of flexibility applied to it. This model is applied to four instantiations of the divorce/remarriage JT in the Synoptics (Matt 5:32; 19:1–12; Mark 10:1–12; Luke 16:18). As well as identifying a stable core and certain kinds of flexibility, this process also identifies seven interpretive uncertainties in relation to the Synoptic instantiations. The study then turns to Paul. It first establishes that he is a faithful interpreter of the JT, legitimately developing JT for his audiences within his rhetorical purposes. It applies the above method (adjusted for genre) to Paul’s use of the divorce/remarriage JT in 1 Cor 7. In doing so, it identifies three particularities of Paul’s understanding of divorce/remarriage that are not explicit in the Synoptics. In the seventh chapter of the study, these particularities are used to shed light on the seven interpretive uncertainties identified in the Synoptics. The study concludes that the stable core of the JT could be clarified in the following two ways :1.The focus of the JT is neither divorce alone, remarriage alone, nor divorce in cases of πορνεία. Its primary focus is divorce for remarriage. It probably also relates to divorce and remarriage when reconciliation is still possible and possibly also to cases when reconciliation is not possible (excepting cases when the former spouse has remarried). 2.Illegitimate divorce does not end a marriage (hence the remarriage is adulterous), however such a remarriage ultimately dissolves the marriage union. Chapter 1: IntroductionChapter 2: Literature reviewChapter 3: Identifying Jesus traditionChapter 4: The divorce/remarriage Jesus tradition in the synopticsChapter 5: Paul and Jesus traditionChapter 6: The divorce/remarriage Jesus tradition in 1 Corinthians 7Chapter 7: How 1 Corinthians 7 sheds light on synoptic uncertaintiesChapter 8: Conclusion of studySubmitted in partial fulfillment for the degree of Master of Theology, Moore Theological College.

publisher: Moore Theological College

date: 2020-12-01

type: Text

language: English

rights: In copyright - educational use only.

rights: This item may be used for the purposes of research and study. Please acknowledge Daniel J. Webster and that it is held by Moore Theological College.

rights: This digital item is accessible online to all.

format: pdf

Expand ▼