Excellent4.8 out of 5On Trustpilot
  1. Theology Books/
  2. Pauline Theology

To Know All Mysteries: The Mystagogue Figure in Classical Antiquity and in Saint Paul's Letters to the Corinthians

by C. Andrew Ballard

  • Hardback
  • Publisher: Fortress Academic
  • 15.2 x 22.9 x 2.7 cm

£94.51

Save 13% | Free UK Delivery

Available - Usually dispatched within 24 hours

Buying for a school or church? Upgrade to a FREE Eden Advance Account

Free delivery on orders over £10

This book examines the way that Paul presents himself as a guide into mysteries, a "mystagogue," in 1-2 Corinthians. By describing himself as a type of mystagogue for the community, Paul was following a precedent in both Jewish and non-Jewish sources for invoking mystagogic language to engage in polemics with a rival. In opposition to the precedent, however, Paul understands the mystagogue to be a bi-partite figure-comprised of both foolishness and wisdom simultaneously. C. Andrew Ballard argues that ancient mystagogues were often described in two disparate ways: figures of power, and figures of weakness and foolishness. Paul synthesizes both aspects of the mystagogue in his self-presentation to the Corinthians. The figure of the mystagogue, as a wise-fool, was useful to Paul because it was descriptive not only of his own experience as a suffering yet authoritative apostle, but also of the experience of his deity, the suffering and glorified Christ. By presenting himself as both a powerful and foolish mystagogue, Paul could argue that he was a more authentic imitator of Christ than his opponents in Corinth, who boasted in self-exaltation instead of self-humility. In this way, Paul used the character of the mystagogue as a strategic rhetorical tool in his communication with the Corinthians.
To Know All Mysteries: The Mystagogue Figure in Classical Antiquity and in Saint Paul's Letters to the Corinthians and Paul
PaulTo Know All Mysteries: The Mystagogue Figure in Classical Antiquity and in Saint Paul's Letters to the Corinthians

  • Author

    C. Andrew Ballard

  • Book Format

    Hardcover

  • Publisher

    Fortress Academic

  • Published

    October 2022

  • Weight

    763g

  • Dimensions

    15.2 x 22.9 x 2.7 cm

  • ISBN

    9781978711105

  • ISBN-10

    1978711107

  • Eden Code

    5697067

Over 14,000 churches and schools have upgraded to an Advance Account and we‘d love to welcome you into this free program. We know that church volunteers and school teachers often use their own money, then have claim it back on on an expense form. We can take all of that hassle away by invoicing your church or school directly and delivering your order straight away.

Opening an account is quick and easy, with most accounts being approved and setup within a few hours of filling in the form below (on weekdays, not weekends). As soon as we‘ve approved the application we‘ll send you an email to let you know that its done.

Upgrade to a FREE Eden Advance Account
Write a review
      Ask a question