Abstract:
This thesis sets out to proof that Paul advised the Corinthians, at least prominently, from a Christ-centred koinwniva frame of mind when addressing their issues in 1 Corinthians. Firstly it has been established that the koinwniva word group may be defined within the nuances of a dynamic relationship. Secondly the study has compiled, with this definition in mind, at least 47 of the most prominent koinwniva elements as found throughout the Bible, with special focus on the New Testament. These elements have then been organised in a koinwniva defined theological framework so that it could be easily accessible for further study into the way Paul might have used them later on in 1 Corinthians. The study then continued not only to point out the important role of 1 Cor 1:1-9 in the Corinthian letter, but also to show how the themes still to be addressed are actually being set in a koinwniva frame of mind. Furthermore, the role of 1:9, as nexus, combined with the specific reference to koinwniva with Christ has also been stressed. In doing so Paul actually supply us with what could be called a “key” to unlock other koinwniva elements in the rest of 1 Corinthians without encountering the koinwniva term as such. So, armed with this “key” and our carefully defined koinwniva theological framework, 1 Cor 5-6 and 8:1-11:1 have been selected as test cases in proving the hypothesis as true. After the issues that Paul encountered in these chapters have been clarified and his responses exegetically laid out, it has been shown in every textual unit, within the designated macro units, that Paul most definitely put koinwniva with Christ in the focus of each suggested solution. Through this “key” other relevant referrals were then made to one or more of the 47 koinwniva elements from the previously compiled koinwniva theological framework. Realising that the koinwniva dynamics featured consistently behind Paul’s suggestions to the Corinthians, led to the conclusion that Paul extensively tapped into a Christ-centred koinwniva dynamic as a prominent frame of mind to address some of the key issues featuring in 1 Corinthians.
