MMQB: 1 Corinthians 13 with special guest Dr. Benjamin White

·1 hr·5 clips

A New Testament scholar explains why the Apostle Paul might be the controversial founder of Christianity.

The episode begins with hosts Ami Zimmerman and Keith Winship introducing Dr. Benjamin White, chair of the Philosophy and Religion Department at Clemson University. Dr. White shares his academic background, specializing in New Testament and early Christianity, and mentions his books 'Remembering Paul' and the upcoming 'Counting Paul'. The discussion centers on the Apostle Paul, with Dr. White addressing whether Paul could be considered the founder of Christianity due to his role in shaping Gentile communities and his extensive writings in the New Testament. He analyzes Paul's use of the Greek word 'zelos' (zeal), showing how it reflects Paul's intense and controversial personality, both before and after his conversion. Dr. White explains the historical importance of 1 Corinthians, noting it is the most widely cited Pauline epistle in early church texts, as tracked by resources like the Paul and Patristics database. He describes how early Christians used 1 Corinthians to address issues like church unity, holiness, and eschatology. The conversation shifts to 1 Corinthians 13, where Dr. White argues that love is the only Christian virtue with continuity into God's kingdom, relativizing spiritual gifts like knowledge and tongues. He connects this to 1 Corinthians 8, emphasizing that knowledge without love is empty, and shares personal reflections on preaching humility to himself and his students. Dr. White discusses Paul's frustrations with the Corinthian church, as seen in 2 Corinthians, and how 1 Corinthians 13 offers a radical vision of agape love that challenges believers. He touches on early church reception of Paul, citing the Acts of Paul and Thecla, a second-century story where Thecla abandons her marriage to follow Paul, illustrating his disruptive message. The episode concludes with hosts expressing appreciation for Dr. White's insights and the spiritual encouragement gained from the discussion.

As heard by us

A grounded conversation on First Corinthians 13, where love is set alongside knowledge, faith, and Paul's wider concerns.

First Corinthians 13 is handled here as part of the larger argument of Paul's letter, not as a stand-alone reflection on love. Ami Zimmerman and Keith Winship talk with Dr.

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You want First Corinthians 13 heard through Paul's tension between knowledge, faith, and love.

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