Aurality in preaching: A text-centred rhetorical interpretation of 1 Corinthians 2:1–5

Abstract

This article examines the hermeneutical and exegetical art of preaching the gospel, focusing on 1 Corinthians 2:1–5 to explore Paul’s rhetorical intent as transmitted aurally. Paul underscores that God chose societal outsiders, rather than nobles, to proclaim his message, thereby challenging Roman-Corinthian expectations. While considerable scholarship exists on Paul’s theology of preaching, there remains a gap in the exploration of aurality within hermeneutical and rhetorical-exegetical studies. This research addresses this gap by analysing Paul’s use of aural transmission in preaching. Employing a rhetorical-critical methodology, specifically text-generated persuasion-interpretation (TGPI), the study investigates how Paul’s rhetorical strategies – particularly his deliberate distancing from philotimia, human wisdom and eloquence – served to enhance his persuasive impact. The study highlights that the transformative power of the gospel resides not in human wisdom, but in God’s power, urging contemporary preachers to refrain from elevating their status through rhetoric and to instead embrace the aural nature of gospel proclamation.

Contribution: This article presents an innovative interdisciplinary contribution to New Testament studies by combining aurality and rhetoric within a TGPI framework. It offers a unique methodology for interpreting the intended meaning of 1 Corinthians 2:1–5, exploring how aurality functions as a persuasive tool in Paul’s rhetorical strategy. This approach will deepen the understanding of Paul’s ‘wide proclamation’, shedding light on how the auditory nature of his message plays a crucial role in the reception and impact of the gospel.