Judgment and Community Conflict: Paul’s Use of Apocalyptic Judgment Language in 1 Corinthians 3:5-4:5

This study explores Paul’s rhetorical use of apocalyptic judgment language in 1 Corinthians 3:5 - 4:5 in the light of Jewish and Greco- Roman judgment traditions. Paul encourages the Corinthians to set aside their divisiveness by looking to God’s future reward. The Corinthians have not rejected a future judgment but have failed to apply that hope imaginatively to their community problems.