Paul's Teachings on Resurrection and the Afterlife

Question 1

What Greek and Roman category or categories of views of the afterlife would Paul’s ideas best fit into (apotheosis, immortality of the soul, astral immortality)?

Answer 1

Paul’s ideas in 1 Corinthians 15 best fit into the Greek and Roman category of immortality of the soul, but with a distinctive emphasis on resurrection of the dead rather than just the immortality of the soul alone.

Question 2

What similarities and differences do you see between the account in 1 Corinthians 15 and the stories in Cartlidge & Dungan?

Answer 2

Similarities include the idea of resurrection or transformation, which is a common motif in apocalyptic literature. Differences lie in the specific details: 1 Corinthians 15 emphasizes a bodily resurrection and transformation, whereas Cartlidge & Dungan highlight ascents and epiphanies often tied to divine or heroic figures, not necessarily focusing on bodily resurrection.

Question 3

How do Paul’s ideas fit into Jewish/Judean apocalyptic scenarios involving the resurrection of the dead (as in Daniel 12)?

Answer 3

Paul’s ideas align with Jewish apocalyptic scenarios like those in Daniel 12, which describe a future resurrection of the dead. Paul builds on this by asserting that Christ’s resurrection is the firstfruits of a general resurrection, providing a basis for the belief in the resurrection of all believers.

Question 4

In what ways is Paul borrowing ideas from Jewish apocalyptic (Daniel 12)? In what ways is Paul borrowing Greek and Roman ideas (Cartlidge and Dungan)? How, if at all, does he modify those ideas?

Answer 4

Paul borrows from Jewish apocalyptic ideas by emphasizing the resurrection of the dead and the transformation of the body. He modifies these by focusing on Christ’s resurrection as the guarantee of future resurrection. From Greek and Roman ideas, Paul incorporates the concept of immortality but adapts it to fit a bodily resurrection framework rather than mere soul immortality. He integrates these ideas to address specific issues in Corinth and affirm the centrality of resurrection in Christian faith.