Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes: Cultural Studies in 1 Corinthians [Paperback]

Kenneth E. Bailey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 19, 2011

In this groundbreaking study of Paul's first epistle to the Corinthians, Kenneth Bailey examines this canonical letter through Paul's Jewish socio-cultural and rhetorical background and through the Mediterranean context of its Corinthian recipients. Uncovering the letter's roots in the Hebrew prophetic tradition, its intentional theological organization and its rhetorical reference to Near Eastern cultural practices, Bailey allows us to see the full scope of Paul's response to a community in crisis.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A rich and original study of 1 Corinthians, which draws on ancient Middle East sources to shed fresh light on this great epistle. We are in Ken Bailey's debt for this work of scholarship." (Lord Carey, former Archbishop of Canterbury)

"Kenneth Bailey sets forth a courageous proposition that Paul's first letter to the Corinthians was in fact written as a circular letter for all the churches. As he works through the letter, Bailey--drawing on neglected Syriac commentaries and his Middle Eastern experiences--presents a gem-laden exposition of 1 Corinthians that engages topics of Christian unity, the cross, living in a pagan culture, men and women in worship, and the resurrection. This is a study on 1 Corinthians like none other I have seen. A truly unique approach to studying a Pauline letter." (Michael F. Bird, Lecturer in Theology, Crossway College, Queensland, Australia)

"Yet another commentary on 1 Corinthians? Hardly. With this book Bailey opens a new genre in the rhetorical analysis of this famous and difficult New Testament letter. He argues that 1 Corinthians consists of five essays and each has a common ancient rhetorical structure ("ring composition") missed by most exegetes. Paul was a trained rabbi, had memorized vast amounts of his scriptures and knew how to write a polished public letter using ancient Hebrew forms (particularly from Isaiah). But in addition, Bailey is using tools unavailable to the average scholar: twenty-two ancient translations of 1 Corinthians into Arabic, Syriac and Hebrew, as well as commentaries dating as far back as ninth-century Damascus. This book is a gold mine of astonishing new discoveries, crosscultural insight and sound pastoral wisdom. It will inevitably join the ranks of the great and important books on this epistle." (Gary M. Burge, professor of New Testament, Wheaton College)

"Kenneth Bailey has transformed the way in which the parables and sayings of Jesus have been received and understood. Now Kenneth delves into the Pauline letters, and it becomes clear that a whole new perspective emerges. The view of Middle Eastern Christians is placed before us in its stark truthfulness. With remarkable attention to the detail of rabbinic rhetoric, Kenneth provides a window into the world of 1 Corinthians that is majestic in the vista it offers; and, in his inimitable style, he mines deeply into Paul's use of parallelisms and Jewish structures of thought and writing, offering the reader a whole new way of receiving and interpreting this remarkable correspondence. With the skill of a biblical surgeon, Kenneth opens up the layers of meaning present. This commentary will bring many hours of reflection and insight for the edification of the reader and will be a blessing to God's church." (The Most Rev. Roger Herft, Archbishop of Perth and Metropolitan of Western Australia)

"Well-known for his numerous works on Jesus and the Gospels through Middle Eastern eyes, Kenneth Bailey now turns his attention to Paul's writing as he provides a powerful and passionate reading of 1 Corinthians within its Jewish and eastern Mediterranean contexts. Suggesting that 1 Corinthians is an 'apostolic homily' written within the framework of Old Testament 'prophetic homily,' this work itself can be considered as a modern 'homily' that skillfully allows Paul's message to touch the hearts of the contemporary audience. Particularly worth noting is Bailey's reading of this epistle through the lens provided by Arabic, Syriac and Hebrew translations from the fourth century up to the modern period. To students of the New Testament text, this provides an invaluable resource for the history of the reception of Paul's message to the Corinthian believers. To the general audience, this also serves as a helpful reminder of the significance of the long history behind our appropriation of the sacred texts." (David W. Pao, chair and associate professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School)

"Bailey's warm pastoral style, up-to-date scholarship and attention to theology make for an excellent exposition of Paul’s argument in 1 Corinthians. His unparalleled knowledge of the New Testament in Arabic translation, coupled with his lifetime of experience in the Middle East, gives Bailey a unique perspective on the biblical text. Highlighting Paul's rhetorical argument and extensive use of Jewish Scriptures, Bailey's work is a rare commentary that serves both pastor and layperson. This book sets a high standard for clarity and practical wisdom in the field of biblical exposition." (Lynn H. Cohick, professor of New Testament, Wheaton College)

"Professor Kenneth E. Bailey has authored a scholarly, creative and lucid commentary on Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. Bailey argues that Paul is not addressing, somewhat haphazardly, a series of disjointed issues. Rather, Bailey perceives Paul providing a well-crafted series of essays that display a rhetorical and structural style that allows him to address fundamental gospel concerns with persuasion, conviction and clarity. This volume will benefit not only scholars but also, and especially, undergraduates and graduates." (Thomas G. Weinandy, O.F.M., Cap., Executive Director for the Secretariat for Doctrine, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)

"Ken Bailey is pure gold. No writer I can think of has been a greater help for teaching the Scriptures with freshness and clarity. What a gift to have his insights on Paul." (John Ortberg, Menlo Park Presbyterian Church)

"A veteran student and observer of the Middle East, Ken Bailey has distilled his knowledge and experience in this work of deep pastoral sensitivity, allowing the apostle Paul to come into his own in a way that a conventional reading of Paul does not allow or encourage. Bailey's work teems with learning and insight, and, buoyed by a clear, lively style, it instructs as well as it illuminates and elevates. The book is a model of biblical scholarship freed of the cobwebs of the study, and consecrated to the life-giving work of the church. It is a 'double-decker sandwich,' to use Bailey's own figure, in which the sandwich is no less nourishing than the meat between the sandwich. I began reading it and couldn't put it down. Go and do thou likewise." (Lamin Sanneh, D. Willis James Professor of World Christianity, Yale Divinity School)

"New Testament scholars recognize Kenneth Bailey as that rare interpreter with intimate knowledge of Middle Eastern culture, ancient and modern. His latest volume now reveals rumination of the rhetoric that serves Paul's theology and ethics. Bailey's signal achievement is to rebut readings of 1 Corinthians as a haphazard document, obscurely reasoned. At once learned and deeply personal, this commentary will surely stimulate productive debate in the exegesis of one among Paul's weightiest letters." (C. Clifton Black, Otto A. Piper Professor of Biblical Theology, Princeton Theological Seminary)

"Dr. Ken Bailey is already widely known for shedding light on the New Testament 'through Middle Eastern eyes.' He has taught in Beirut, Jerusalem and other parts of the Near East, as well as in America and Europe. This commentary is more than a conventional, largely repeated exegesis of 1 Corinthians. Dr. Bailey shows the relevance of prophetic and rabbinic forms of language, including especially chiasmus, and other literary and rhetorical forms. He uses Arabic, Coptic and Syriac sources. He rightly stresses the coherence of this epistle and its theology of the cross. He is alert to intertextual resonances and offers distinctive ideas. On top of all this, he produces numerous lively illustrations and practical applications. Especially for those who look for more than a conventional commentary, I warmly commend this work. History, culture, rhetoric, theology and practical application all find a place." (Anthony C. Thiselton, professor of Christian theology, University of Nottingham)

Product Details

• Paperback: 560 pages
• Publisher: IVP Academic (October 19, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830839348
• ISBN-13: 978-0830839346
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #34,550 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Kenneth E. Bailey is an author and lecturer in Middle Eastern New Testament studies. An ordained Presbyterian minister, he also serves as Canon Theologian of the Diocese of Pittsburgh of the Episcopal Church, USA. He holds graduate degrees in Arabic language and literature, and in systematic theology; his Th.D. is in New Testament. He spent forty years living and teaching New Testament in Egypt, Lebanon, Jerusalem and Cyprus, still holding the title of research professor (emeritus) of Middle Eastern New Testament studies at the Ecumenical Institute (Tantur), Jerusalem. Bailey has written many books in English and in Arabic, including The Cross and the Prodigal, Poet & Peasant, Through Peasant Eyes, Jacob & the Prodigal and Finding the Lost: Cultural Keys to Luke 15. He has also published many articles in The Princeton Seminary Bulletin, The Presbyterian Outlook, Asia Journal of Theology, Christianity Today, Expository Studies, Irish Biblical Studies, Novem Momentum, Theology Review and Temelios.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 50 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Hebrew Rhetoric and Middle Eastern Culture Brought to Bear on 1 Corinthians Helpfully and Cogently October 15, 2011

By Jeremy Bouma

Format:Paperback

There is a pernicious Euro-American centricity that undergirds much of our understanding and perspective on the Scripture, which is why I am thankful that a number of scholars are taking a new look at the social, cultural, and rhetorical foundation that those Scriptures are rooted in order to help us re-capture a non-Western and pre-Western perspective on the Text.

Enter Kenneth Bailey's new book "Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes: Cultural Studies in 1 Corinthians."

Bailey joins the likes of Ben Witherington--for which he is eminently known--in examining the socio-rhetorical-culture milieu that Paul's First Letter to the Church at Corinth is mired in. And Bailey seeks to pull the reader's head out of the sand of Euro-American centrism and into the new, fresh air of the Middle East by giving them Middle Eastern eyes. As Bailey states, "in the wider world, Middle Eastern Christians are often forgotten. The current discussions of the emergence of the Christian 'Global South' and its numerical dominance over Christians in Western Europe and North America, overlooks the Middle East entirely. Have already discussed a few topics in the Gospels in the light of important Middle Eastern Christian sources, this volume intends to focus similar attention on 1 Corinthians." (18)

Over the past forty years or so as Bailey has worked through this text, he says "at critical points in the text, I have asked, 'How did Middle Eastern Christians across the centuries understand this text?'" Bailey sets out to answer this question throughout his examination of 1 Corinthians. He has three basic concerns in his approach to 1 Corinthians: 1) Paul, a Middle Eastern Jewish Christian, uses rhetorical styles that were available to him in the writings of the Hebrew prophets; 2) Middle Eastern life and literature is of assistance in recovering and bringing to life Paul's metaphors and parables; and 3) he examines 23 representative samples of the long heritage of Syriac, Arabic, and Hebrew translations of 1 Corinthians. (19)

Bailey begins by arguing that 1 Cor is Paul's most contemporary letter, holding along with an apparent cloud of witnesses throughout the historic Church (including Ambrosiaster, Chrysostom, Bishr ibn al-Sari, and Calvin) that this letter is not simply occasional but written to all the Church. And it's a letter "with a carefully designed inner coherence that exhibits amazing precision in composition and admirable grandeur in overall theological concept" with "five carefully constructed essays, which themselves showcase a discernible theological method." (25)

Here's Bailey's thematic outline:

I. The Cross ad Christian Unity 1:5--4:16
II. Men and Women in the Human Family 4:17--7:40
III. Food Offered to Idols (Christian and Pagan) 8:1--11:1
IV. Men and Women in Worship 11:2--14:40
V. The Resurrection 15

He also argues this outline reveals three principle ideas: the cross and resurrection (I, V); Men and women in the human family and in worship (II, IV); and Christian living among pagans (III).

I find both this outline and these three principle ideas helpful, if not innovative. A glance through my commentaries on 1 Corinthians--Fee, Thiselton, Collins, Ciampa/Rosner, and Witherington--don't share his thematic outline, though Collins comes close who identifies 6 rhetorical "demonstrations." And from what I remember, and in my review of these commentaries in light of this review, I don't recall them drawing out the Hebraic rhetorical style that Bailey centers upon. In fact the most recent addition to the 1 Corinthians commentary library from Ciampa and Rosner state Paul uses Graeco-Roman rhetoric. Except a Hebraic rhetorical style culled from the prophets themselves is what Bailey argues for: "Using his own Jewish literary tradition, he built on the rhetoric of the classical writing prophets and composed a series of masterpieces not the topics he selected." (27)

He also argues that rather than being an occasional letter written specifically to the Church at Corinth, Paul "looked at the specific problems that surfaced in Corinth and selected some of them. The topics he chose were those that new Christian communities were debating in many places. He then composed 1 Cor and sent a copy to Corinth and to churches everywhere. He did address Corinthians and at the same time, he invited the rest of the Church to 'listen in' on his 'phone conversation' hoping to serve the entire church." This is why he argues the book is composed of five carefully constructed essays. (27) This seems to fly in the face of prevailing modern commentaries, which D. G. Dunn states and whom Ciampa and Rosner quote: "1 Corinthians cannot be properly understood unless it is read against the backdrop of its historical context and as part of a dialogue with the Corinthian church itself." I'm sure Bailey would agree with this to some extent, but ultimately would move beyond what appears to be a straightjacket approach to interpreting the letter by doing so in broader, general sense. Here is how he summarizes his argument:

it appears when a long list of problems surfaced in Corinth, Paul selected those of general concern and addressed both the Corinthians and the church at large in a single letter. For this extraordinarily well-constructed, important document Paul reached back into his own Jewish past and co-opted rhetorical styles sanctified by the classical writing prophets...The result was one of Paul's finest efforts and it can indeed by called "Paul's most contemporary epistle." (30)

Again, an interesting methodological position, but also seemingly innovative in comparison to the modern exegetical tradition. That's not to say it's a bad thing. But I think it's a supplemental position, since it does seem to be an unusual one.

Additionally, as mentioned before, Bailey uses his extensive Middle Eastern background--which amounts to 40 years worth living and teaching experience in Egypt, Lebanon, Cyprus, and Jerusalem--and historical commentaries from the Middle East that stretch from the 4th through the 5th centuries to illumine Paul's use of metaphor and parable. As we've come to realize over the past few decades, getting the 1st century backdrop to Paul and his letter-receiving communities is important. Bailey seeks to do so by emphasizing the Middle Eastern nature of that backdrop, which he does in his own unique way. And while this way is a good supplemental way, I wonder how safe that way is considering how informed it is by "how Middle Eastern Christians across the last 1,600 years have understood 1 Corinthians," especially those from the 4th and 5th century.

That's not to dismiss them, however. I think us Euro-American centric interpreters need the voices from across the ocean and throughout the past, especially the ones closer to the moment and closer to the environment. My caution is that sometimes such a method can bring things to the text that simply weren't there before or intended by the author, but we shall see.

So how does Bailey use his Middle Eastern experience and sources to help give us a sharper, crisper reading of 1 Corinthians? Look at some examples:

His commentary on 1 Cor 1:17-2:2 draws a parallel between this passage on the cross and the suffering servant hymn of Is. 50:5-11. Bailey argues the same rhetorical device of Is. appears in this 1 Cor. passage, which is an important piece of Jewish background to Paul's hymn to the cross as "by building on Isaiah, Paul discusses the cross in a way that could communicate to Jewish readers/listeners on a very deep level. Likewise, Paul was "concerned for his Greek readers/listeners who would not have had the background in the book of Isaiah." Therefore, according to Bailey, Paul takes a page out of Greek hero tradition by formulating this piece after Greek funeral orations: "A careful examination of Pericles' oration and Paul's hymn to Christ crucified reveals seven points of comparison and contrast." These two points illustrate how Bailey situates Paul's letter in Hebrew rhetoric and Middle Eastern culture. (90-95)

In commenting on the guilt induced by receiving the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner found in 1 Cor 11:27, Bailey illumines the strong connotation by bringing into the discussion Middle Eastern versions of the word used over the last thousand years for the Greek enokhos (guilty): "Some read shajab (destroy) or shajib (destroyer). "Guilty against" appears along with "criminal in regard to." Khati'a ila (sin against) is used both in Arabic and in Hebrew. All of these versions recognize that something dark and sinister is taking place." So we can see commentors and words from the Middle East use strong language to talk about the person who is "guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord. (322-323)

The famous passage on love in 1 Cor 13 carries an interesting translation of vs. 8: "love never falls." We're used to the translation "love never fails," but Bailey reveals that "Oriental versions have preserved this concrete image and consistently translated the text literally. In the days before dynamite, bulldozers and backhoes, most Mediterranean mountain "roads" were narrow paths. Falling was an ever real possibility. Strabo describes the road from Athens to Corinth by saying 'The road approaches so close to the rocks that in many places it passes along the edge of the precipices, because the mountain situated above them is both lofty and impracticable for roads.' Paul had walked that road. Regardless of danger along 'the mountain pass,' love does not fall. Paul's model was surely the life of Christ. He was the one whose love never "fell down," even when nailed to the cross." Interesting illumination of the cultural background and Middle Eastern translation/interpretation! Read more ›

23 of 27 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Perhaps not a good book for the layman November 26, 2011

By Debbie TOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

"Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes" is a very thick commentary on 1 Corinthians. From the title, I expected a book focused on the cultural background of 1 Corinthians that would help us better understand Paul's points. However, the main focus was on the rhetorical style used in 1 Corinthians.

The author carefully constructed charts showing how the 1 Corinthians format matched that of the Old Testament prophets. He claimed that understanding this format would help us better understand the meaning of Paul's words. To be honest, I sometimes couldn't easily see why the sentences were arranged in that format (except that's where they should be to fit the format) and ended up feeling stupid and confused (rather than enlightened) by seeing the rhetorical format laid out. Perhaps those who already have some background in rhetorical styles in the Bible would find it more enlightening.

The author also gave a commentary on the verses. While interesting, his comments didn't stand out to me as memorable nor did I feel like I'd gained new insight into the verses. When the author did mention how Middle Easterners might have understood the verses (so as to increase our understanding), I found it interesting and thought-provoking but rarely enlightening. Also, some of the things he said might explain the verses, but I've read Bible background books that give different explanations that seem to fit the text better.

So, overall, the book contained some interesting information, but I didn't feel like reading it cleared up any potential confusions I had about 1 Corinthians. It was more than it pointed out possible nuances that I might not have otherwise noticed.

I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Stellar Cultural Analysis of I Corinthians October 16, 2011

By Clint Walker VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

A couple of weeks ago I received a promotional catalog promoting forthcoming books that were due to be released. I saw Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes and I had to have it.

Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes is written by Kenneth Bailey. For decades, Bailey has been known as an expert in Middle Eastern culture. He has lived and ministered as a missionary, pastor and professor in the areas the Bible people lived in. Along the way, he picked up new insights about the cultural context that God's Word was written in, and how the original hearers might have heard those texts.

His classic text was Poet and Peasant and Through Peasant Eyes. These texts helped readers see the parables in the gospel of Luke in a whole different light. Recently, Bailey compiled Jesus through Middle Eastern Eyes, which offered unique perspectives on prominent passages in the Gospels. Now, in Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes, Bailey focuses his considerable intellect on the epistle of I Corinthians.

The book does not disappoint. Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes is deft at using literary analysis and cultural insight to communicate the essence of what Paul is trying to say in a simple and easy to understand way. Instead of simply going verse by verse through the book of I Corinthians, Bailey also takes on the book issue by issue. Thus, while covering the whole book, he gets to address hot button topics such as sexual ethics, the place of men and women in the leadership of the church, freedom and responsibility in the Christian life, and the centrality of the cross and resurrection in true Christian experience.

I particularly enjoyed his egalitarian insights on men and women as partners in marriage and leadership of the church. In this section, he interspersed deft analysis with personal anecdotes of his experiences working among Mediterranean people. His perspectives on the commands for silence, and what that command did in fact mean were both intelligent, and easy to pass on to others as I teach this passage.

First Corinthians is a popular book for many scholars to study and write about. There is a lot of work out there on this important book in the New Testament. Yet, none of what is out there in commentaries and other analysis is comparable to Bailey's unique perspective. I would recommend every pastor, teacher, and serious student of the word grab this book, purchase it, and add it to their bookshelf. It is well worth the money!