CONNUBIAL SEX AND THE AVOIDANCE OF Πoρѵԑια: PAUL’S RHETORICAL ARGUMENT IN 1 CORINTHIANS 7:1-5
Abstract
This paper employs socio-rhetorical interpretation in order to analyze Paul’s argument in 1 Cor 7:1-5 regarding the role of connubial sex in Christian marriage. The paper shows that Paul engages in Christian wisdom discourse, introducing his argument in 1 Cor 7:1 with a maxim, probably drawn from a communication from the Corinthians themselves. He then creates an argument from the contrary to repudiate the maxim on the grounds of the requirements of Christian sexual morality in v. 2. The paper shows that Paul elaborates his argument in vv. 3-4 before constructing an argument allowing for a very specific and limited exception to his own rule regarding the necessity of connubial sex for Christians. Paul’s argument is analyzed with the help of insights derived from ancient rhetoric as well as cultural information regarding sexual practices from Greco-Roman authors.Downloads
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