This book is a literary and historical exegesis of Paul's apostolic
paradigm in 1 Corinthians 9. The author argues that chapter 9 is part
and parcel of Paul's unified arguments of 1 Corinthians 8-10, which are
written to mediate in a dispute over food offered to idols. The
questions of how the dispute emerged, how Paul arranges his arguments in
the three chapters, and what role 1 Corinthians 9 has in the overall
discourse are addressed carefully in the book. Moreover, the question of
why Paul and his coworkers did not receive financial support from his
audience, which was contrary to the practice of the other missionaries
and the normal workforce of the time, and of why he uses such a practice
as an example to be imitated by those insisting on their right to eat
food offered to idols, are dealt with judiciously. Based on his exegesis
of 1 Corinthians 9, the author furthermore attempts to see the relevance
of 1 Corinthians 9 for dispute resolution today, taking the conflict
within his own church as an example. ""The author does two things very
ably in this stimulating book: reconstructing the issues confronting
Paul in 1 Corinthians 9 and recontextualising them for the church in
Indonesia."" --Kim Huat, Trinity Theological College, Singapore ""This
volume presents a convincing and well-researched exegesis of 1
Corinthians, especially of chapter 9, and engages constructively with a
range of scholarly literature on this chapter. The author successfully
applies this exegesis to contextual issues that have practical relevance
today. In particular he examines Paul's pastoral strategy for replacing
confrontation by patient argument that shows respect for both sides, and
seeks to reconcile them with pastoral sensitivity by entering into the
world of each party. I entirely agree with the author that chapter 9
must be regarded as an integral part of chapters 8-10 and indeed of the
argument of the whole epistle. I warmly recommend this volume as a
useful contribution to the study of 1 Corinthians and its relevance to
important issues today."" --Anthony C. Thiselton, University of
Nottingham and University College, Chester ""Robinson Butarbutar has
written a very thorough study of 1 Corinthians 9 in its historical and
literary context. After a comprehensive survey of previous scholarship
he makes an original proposal concerning the interpretive context of
this important chapter. On this basis he undertakes detailed exegesis,
from which he progresses to a consideration of some implications for the
understanding of Paul's apostolic ministry. He concludes with a case
study of the 1990s leadership crisis in the largest Christian
denomination in Southeast Asia (HKBP), showing the relevance of 1
Corinthians 9 to resolving disputes both past and present. Both students
and scholars will welcome this exegetical and contextual study.""
--David L. Baker, Tyndale House, Cambridge Born in Indonesia in 1961,
Robinson Butarbutar obtained his BD, MA, and DTh in 1987, 1990, and
1999, respectively. Having served as a local church minister and
lecturer, he now serves as Asia Regional Coordinator of the United
Evangelical Mission, a communion of churches in the three continents of
Africa, Asia, and Europe (Germany).
