Charles Sturt University
An Intra-Ecclesial Reading of πιστεύοντες and οἱ ἀπίστοι in 1 Corinthians 14:22
This paper proposes a unique resolution to the long-standing conundrum regarding the meaning of 1 Cor 14:22. Whereas Paul asserts that tongues are a sign (σημεῖον) not for believers (οἱ πιστεύοντες) but for unbelievers (οἱ ἀπίστοι), and that prophecy is not for unbelievers but for believers (14:22), he subsequently, and apparently, demonstrates just the opposite (14:23–25). While scholarship has traditionally focused on the meaning of σημεῖον, the emphasis of this paper is on the socio-theological identities of the various groups described in this, and the wider, literary unit. I argue that the citation of Isa 28:11–12 (in 1 Cor 14:21) establishes a covenantal distinction between faithless and faithful Israel which Paul then applies as an intra-ecclesial distinction to the Corinthian assembly in terms of two principles: (1) tongues, in the gathered community and untranslated, are an indication of faithless Corinth, while (2) prophecy is the sign of God’s favour towards faithful Corinth. The rhetoric serves, as in Isaiah’s day, as response-seeking—Paul is exhorting his readers to the sort of maturity (14:21) which values prophecy. The subsequent scenario in 1 Cor 14:23–25, depicting outsider reactions to tongues/prophecy, is a reinforcing (rather than the climactic) point to Paul’s prior summary (in 14:22) of the tongues/prophecy contrast commenced in 1 Cor 14:1. The paper will also offer an analysis of the two outsider identities (the ἰδιῶταιand ἄπιστοι, 14:23–25) whose “conversion” brings an important temple motif, evident throughout 1 Corinthians, to its climax. That is, the ministry of the prophesying church is analogous to the restoration of Israel and her temple through which the priestly and prophetic role of Israel is now realised in Corinth. This ecclesial and missional identity serves toreinforce ideal Corinthian self-understanding in view of their fragile minority status (in ancient Corinth) and porous ecclesial boundaries. Thus, the structure of Paul’s argument in 1 Cor 14:20–25 is, appeal (v20), premise (v21), conclusion (v22), further proof (v23–25).