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Document Details :

Title: Laying to Rest the Midrash
Subtitle: Paul’s Message on Meat Sacrificed to Idols in Light of the Deuteronomistic Tradition
Author(s): OROPEZA, B.J.
Journal: Biblica
Volume: 79    Issue: 1   Date: 1998   
Pages: 57-68
DOI: 10.2143/BIB.79.1.3200602

Abstract :
Some scholars have suggested that Paul's discussion on meat sacrificed to idols in 1 Corinthians 8, 1-11,1 is composed of two separate documents: 8,1-9,23 and 10,23-11,1 form letter B, and 10, 1-22, forms letter A. Unit A is often regarded as an early midrash which was written prior to its present form in 1 Corinthians. This article argues that the Deuteronomic tradition which Paul echoes in 8, 1-11,1 posits another reason why the literary integrity of his entire discussion on idol meats may be maintained. In this section of his letter Paul adopts the Deuteronomic motif of apostasy through idolatry which is prevalent in the Song of Moses (Deut 32). The language and ideas derived from this theme are integrated throughout the apostle's discourse.

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