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Document Details :

Title: Mediated Presence
Subtitle: Paul's Efforts to Promote Community Obedience in 1 Corinthians 11,17-34
Author(s): SEAL, David
Journal: Ephemerides Theologicae Lovanienses
Volume: 97    Issue: 4   Date: 2021   
Pages: 677-689
DOI: 10.2143/ETL.97.4.3290080

Abstract :
While much has been written on the problem Paul confronted concerning the Corinthians and their abuse of the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor 11,17-34), little if anything has been authored about his tactics to correct the abuse. This study will fill this omission by demonstrating how Paul utilized the mediated presence of both himself and Jesus to promote proper behavior by the Corinthian Christians during the celebration of the sacred meal. To motivate proper conduct, Paul effectively mediated his presence as the lector performed his emotional words of frustration and displeasure. Paul also effectively mediated Christ’s presence in the collective consciousness of the church, as he recounted the tradition of Christ’s self-giving words to his disciples. If these modes of presence did not move the Corinthians to change their conduct, Paul threatened that they would continue to feel the risen Lord’s presence in the form of judgment.

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