Paul: The Hymn to the Cross (Isaiah and Pericles)

April 3, 2011

Dr. Kenneth Bailey

A look at 1 Corinthians 1:17-2:2

Paul has several groups from different cultures that he needs to appeal to in his writing.  In the “Hymn to the Cross” he masterfully appeals to both Jewish and Greek listeners.

To appeal to Jewish listeners, Paul uses “ring composition.”  This is where the first Bible verses in a paragraph address certain themes, working down to the main theme, and then continue by reprising the initial themes in reverse.  See the end of this post for an example from Isaiah. 

In the "Hymn to the Cross" (1 Cor 1:17-2:2), the central message is in verse 23 “But we preach Christ crucified.”  This is like the meat of the sandwich, and the surrounding verses on either side are like the bread surrounding it.  Another example Paul is drawing from is found in Isaiah 50:4-11.  

For Paul’s appeal to the Greek side, we turn to Pericles’ Epitaphios – a speech given about a hero who died to save.  This speech preserves the traditions of Greek oratory.  In the "Hymn to the Cross" Paul uses many of the same oratory techniques as Pericles.

Conclusion:  In this “Hymn to the Cross” in 1 Cor, Paul is appealing both to Jewish readers and Greek readers.  The Jew would say, “Ah, he’s talking about the Suffering Servant from Isaiah.” The Greek would say, “Oh, he’s debating Pericles.”

An example of ring composition, as found in Isaiah 28:14-18.

14 Therefore hear the word of the Lord, you scoffers

   who rule this people in Jerusalem.

Section 1 (verse 15a) COVENANT WITH Death and Sheol affirmed! Scourge avoided:

15 Because you have said, ‘We have made a covenant with death,

   and with Sheol we have an agreement;

when the overwhelming scourge passes through

   it will not come to us;

Section 2 (verse 15b) REFUGE/shelter

for we have made lies our refuge,

   and in falsehood we have taken shelter’;

Section 3 (verse 16): BUILDING material:

16 therefore thus says the Lord God,

See, I am laying in Zion a foundation stone,

   a tested stone,

a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation:

Section 4 (end of verse 16): Inscription/ Future Hope.  This is the central message.

   ‘He who believes will not be shaken.’

Section 5 (verse 17a): BUILDING tools:

17 And I will make justice the line,

   and righteousness the plummet;

Section 6 (verse 17b): REFUGE/shelter:

hail will sweep away the refuge of lies,

   and waters will overwhelm the shelter.

Section 7 (verse 18) COVENANT WITH Death and Sheol cancelled! Scourge destroys:

18 Then your covenant with death will be annulled,

   and your agreement with Sheol will not stand;

when the overwhelming scourge passes through

   you will be beaten down by it.