"On Whom the End of the Ages Has Come: Biblical Theology, Preaching, and Christocentric Identity in 1 Corinthians"

Abstract

ABSTRACT

ON WHOM THE END OF THE AGES HAS COME: BIBLICAL THEOLOGY, PREACHING, AND CHRISTOCENTRIC IDENTITY IN 1 CORINTHIANS

Christopher James Kuenzle, DMin

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2020

Faculty Supervisor: Dr. Samuel C. Emadi

This project is a biblical-theological treatment of Paul’s use of biblical theology in 1 Corinthians. Paul employs several Old Testament themes to exhort the Corinthians to unite as they identify in Christ. These themes include: new creation, new exodus, new temple, new Israel, and new covenant. While Paul expresses confidence in the Corinthians salvation (1 Cor 1:8–9; 6:11), in many ways they struggled to find their identity in Christ—leading to division in the church.

Paul’s letter addresses several divisive issues in Corinth by pointing them to their new identity in Christ. They are the people of God on a new exodus as they await the hope of being made new in the resurrection. They are God’s temple, indwelt by the Holy Spirit. As people identified in Christ, love is to motivate their use of gifts as they recognize that the life lived in humble obedience to Christ is the greatest indicator of the Holy Spirit’s presence.