“A still more excellent way” (1 Cor 12,31) is Christian Love
“A still more excellent way” (1 Cor 12,31) is Christian Love

Summary/Abstract: Pauline rhetorical strategy in First Corinthian epistle is centered to unity in diversity of whole Christian community. Speaking in tongues and prophesies gifts are surpassed by “a more excellent way”, or Christian love. In this study I summarize scholar’s research in rhetorical and theological fields, underlining the biblical sense of Christian love. Also is pointed the relation with shema structure, the Jewish and pagan philosophical background, and finally the means of negative an positive verbal forms, who describe this unique way. Even is absent the name of God and Jesus, this “excellent way” transgress the horizontal human level, ascending to a heavenly stadium, in spiritual and communitarian liberation. Pauline assertion that in love we can known better the human reality and we can harmonized our life in God better than a child confirm that better is “to be” than “to have”.

• Details
• Contents