B.J. Oropeza, «Laying to Rest the Midrash: Paul’s Message on Meat Sacrificed to Idols in Light of the Deuteronomistic Tradition », Vol. 79 (1998) 57-68

Some scholars have suggested that Paul's discussion on meat sacrificed to idols in 1 Corinthians 8, 1–11,1 is composed of two separate documents: 8,1–9,23 and 10,23–11,1 form letter B, and 10, 1-22, forms letter A. Unit A is often regarded as an early midrash which was written prior to its present form in 1 Corinthians. This article argues that the Deuteronomic tradition which Paul echoes in 8, 1–11,1 posits another reason why the literary integrity of his entire discussion on idol meats may be maintained. In this section of his letter Paul adopts the Deuteronomic motif of apostasy through idolatry which is prevalent in the Song of Moses (Deut 32). The language and ideas derived from this theme are integrated throughout the apostle's discourse.

and 8,1–9,23 and 10,23–11,1 are said to form another letter ("B"). The former, argues Schmithals, is concerned with the worship of idols and it treats only cultic meals. The latter focuses on meat sacrificed to idols with no indication that some in Corinth wished to take part in idol-worship. More recently Lamar Cope has suggested that Paul did not originally write 10,1-22 – it came from an early midrash ⁵. Others have suggested or assumed that 10,1-13 or 10,1-22 was an earlier midrash or homily composed prior to its present form in the Corinthian setting ⁶.

      It is not ultimately convincing, however, to posit that Paul is employing an earlier midrash or is combining two letters in this text. There are viable reasons to argue for the unity of Paul's thought in 1 Corinthians as a number of scholars have pointed out ⁷. Rather than reproduce these arguments, however, I intend to present a fresh one. Recent scholars who have written in this area have not properly recognised that the Israelite traditions Paul echoes in this discourse underscore the coherence of his message, as I will maintain in this article. One may note the similarities between the situation in 1 Corinthians and that in Romans over the issue of table fellowship. Romans 14,1–15,4 has in common with 1 Corinthians 8–10 the problem of strong Christians offending weaker ones by what they eat. In both letters, as well as both "A" and "B" in 1 Corinthians, Paul's argument includes citations from the scriptures of Israel's tradition which are then used to claim that what happened to Israel in former times was for Paul and the Christians' instruction (1 Cor 9,9-10; 10,6-7; Rom 15,3-4) ⁸.

      If the scriptures play such a prominent role in Paul's estimation, then there is a need to examine more carefully the sources he might be alluding to in 1 Corinthians 8,1–11,1. I will argue that the Deuteronomic tradition is most significant in this regard and that Paul alludes to this source when he