To Know All Mysteries - The Mystagogue Figure in Classical Antiquity in Saint Pauls Letters

This book examines the way that Paul presents himself as a guide into mysteries, a "mystagogue," in 1-2 Corinthians. Paul employed the figure of the mystagogue as a strategic tool in his communication with the Corinthians in order to persuade the Corinthians that he was the legitimate mystery teacher for the community.

List of contents

Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Defining Mystagogues in the Mystery Cults of Antiquity
Chapter 3: Initiation into Philosophy and Truth, Part One: Metaphorical Mystagogues in
Classical, Hellenistic, and Early Imperial Literature
Chapter 4: Initiation into Philosophy and Truth, Part Two: Metaphorical Mystagogues in Jewish Literature of the Hellenistic and Early Imperial Periods
Chapter 5: The Duality of the Mystagogue: Power and Foolishness
Chapter 6: Initiating Paul, Part One: The Appropriation and Disruption of the
Mystagogue in 1 Corinthians
Chapter 7: Initiating Paul, Part Two: The Appropriation and Disruption of the Mystagogue in 2 Corinthians

About the author

C. Andrew Ballard is adjunct instructor of religion at Fordham University.

Summary

This book examines the way that Paul presents himself as a guide into mysteries, a “mystagogue,” in 1-2 Corinthians. Paul employed the figure of the mystagogue as a strategic tool in his communication with the Corinthians in order to persuade the Corinthians that he was the legitimate mystery teacher for the community.

Product details

• Authors: C. Andrew Ballard
• Publisher: Rowman and Littlefield
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 15.10.2022
• EAN: 9781978711105
• ISBN: 978-1-978711-10-5
• No. of pages: 404
• Series: Paul in Critical Contexts
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Religion/theology > Practical theology; Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Religion: general, reference works; HISTORY / Ancient / General, RELIGION / Ancient, Christianity, Ancient World, Ancient History, Ancient history: to c 500 CE, Criticism and exegesis of sacred texts, Ancient religions & mythologies, RELIGION / Biblical Studies / New Testament / Paul's Letters, Biblical Studies & Exegesis, Ancient religions and Mythologies, Criticism & Exegesis Of Sacred Texts