Secular and Christian Leadership in Corinth

This volume traces the secular influences of first-century Roman Corinth on the local church leadership. It then shows how Paul modifies the Corinthian understanding of church leadership. Using 1 Corinthians 1-6 together with other first-century literary and non-literary sources, it is argued that one of Paul's major concerns with the church in Corinth is the extent to which significant members in the church were employing secular categories and perceptions of leadership in the Christian community. this updated edition also seeks to reflect on recent developments in 1 Corinthians scholarship. ""Andrew Clarke's ground--breaking work is a lasting contribution to our understanding of Corinthian Christianity. It is based on the extant official inscriptions from this Roman Colony that record the multiple public offices held by 160 of its citizens. From these he profiles the nature of secular leadership that was to profoundly influence the first Christians. They cast their understanding of Christian ministry into this mold which resulted in competition that has threatened the well being of this nascent community. This work rightly established his reputation as a leading New Testament Scholar and this updated edition, which brings the discussion up to date, is to be warmly welcomed."" --Bruce Winter, Director of the Institute of Early Christianity in the Graeco Roman World, Tyndale House, and Fellow of St. Edmund's College, University of Cambridge. ""I very warmly commend this book. It is equally valuable as an accurate diagnosis of problematic attitudes towards Christian leadership in Corinth and as a prophetic critique of widespread attitudes towards Christian leadership today. It is a classic both on Corinth and on Christian leadership."" --Anthony C. Thiselton, Emeritus Professor of Christian Theology, University of Nottingham, and Research Professor of Christian Theology, University of Chester, also Canon Theologian of Leicester Cathedral and Southwell Minster ""Andrew Clarke's Secular and Christian Leadership in Corinth was recognized as making an important contribution to our understanding of the structure and dynamics of the earliest Christian churches when it was first published. It is very welcome news that an updated edition has been prepared for the benefit of a further generation of students of Corinthians and of early Christianity."" --James D. G. Dunn, University of Durham Andrew Clarke is currently a Senior Lecturer in New Testament at the University of Aberdeen and formerly the Research Librarian at Tyndale House, Cambridge. He has also published Serve the Community of the Church: Christians as Leaders and Ministers (First-Century Christians in the Greco-Roman World) (2000)