Paul`s Theology of Preaching – The Apostle`s Challenge to the Art of Persuasion in Ancient Corinth

"We preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God." When Paul preached about the crucified and risen Jesus Christ to the church at Corinth and elsewhere, did he follow the well-established rhetorical strategy of his day or did he pursue a different path? And what does that mean for the preaching of the church today? Through a detailed analysis of 1 Corinthians 1-4, Duane Litfin explores the rhetorical context of Paul's preaching and his own understanding of his task as a preacher. What is revealed in this investigation is a sharp distinction between Greco-Roman rhetorical strategies, which sought to persuade, and Paul's theology of preaching, which was based on the model of an obedient herald. This revised and expanded version of Litfin's previous St. Paul's Theology of Proclamation will provide insight to those engaged in Pauline and New Testament studies, rhetorical theory, and Greco-Roman studies. Moreover, by offering a better understanding of Paul's method as well as the content of his declaration concerning "the power and wisdom of God" revealed in Jesus, this book will help preachers as they undertake the ongoing task to "preach Christ crucified."

"Paul's Theology of Preaching by Duane Litfin is one of the most important works on the subject of preaching I have read in some time. . . .This book will challenge much of what is being promoted in regards to models of preaching and ministry in evangelical circles.", "This is a stimulating and challenging book operating at two levels. On the one hand, Liftin provides an academic introduction to Greco-Roman rhetoric as a background for reading 1 Corinthians 1-4 in a proper cultural context. But at another level, Liftin wants to challenge the churches to be faithful to God in their preaching of the Gospel. His call is to reject the sin of the Corinthians who used their culture to judge the success of the Gospel.", "In this substantial volume, Litfin analyzes 1 Corinthians 1–4 to understand Paul's own understanding of the work of the preacher. . . . Litfin calls us back to reconsider what Paul says about our call to preach.", "Litfin's writing shows his heart for helping pastors understand Paul's distinctive preaching. This book will help pastors model a biblical approach—driven by obedience to faithful proclamation of the gospel rather than one's ability to persuade or achieve results.", "Litfin’s argument is comprehensive and convincing. For any pastor or student seeking to develop their theology of preaching, and theology of ministry in general, Litfin’s work is requisite reading."

Duane Litfin (DPhil, Oxford University; PhD, Purdue University) is president emeritus of Wheaton College, where he served for seventeen years. He is the author of numerous articles and books, including most recently Conceiving the Christian College and Word vs. Deed: Resetting the Scales to a Biblical Balance.