A socio-rhetorical approach to the Pauline theology of reconciliation in 2 Corinthians

Abstract

This study is a socio-rhetorical approach to the Pauline theology of reconciliation in 2 Corinthians. Scholars generally focus their attention on where καταλλάσσω and καταλλαγή terminology appears in discussing Paul’s theology of reconciliation. This has led to some scholars reducing Paul’s theology of reconciliation to simply referring to God being reconciled to men and vice versa, while other scholars tend to focus on reconciliation between human beings, almost to the exclusion of reconciliation between God and men. The current research argues that reconciliation with God is intrinsically linked to reconciliation between people in the church. Chapter One of this study looks at areas of disagreement amongst scholars concerning Paul’s theology of reconciliation. Chapter Two reviews the current state of research on Paul and his theology of reconciliation, while Chapter Three discusses the question of the Socio-historical use of the καταλλάσσειν and διαλλάσσειν terminology in the New Testament, and its uniqueness in Paul. In Chapter Four both the literary and historical contexts of Paul’s teachings on reconciliation in 2 Corinthians are explored. In Chapter Five the exegesis of 2 Corinthians 5:11-6:10 is performed and the implications for reconciliation are spelled out.