Christians and Epicureans in 1 Corinthians

Abstract

In the context of recent sociological and rhetorical studies of 1 Corinthians, this article proposes a possible philosophical source for Corinthian theology that diverged fromPaul's, namely the influence of first-century Epicureanism, which was probably a notable presence in Corinth at the time. In the light of a close reading of Epicurean literature, it examines evidence from different parts of the letter for such influence, including, among others, the dispute concerning the resurrection, sexual attitudes, the love of wisdom and dining at pagan temples. It suggests that the theology of a group of well-off Corinthian Christians was influenced by the kind of ideas and behaviour most prevalent in Epicurean circles, prompting Paul's critique of 'worldly' wisdom.