Traditional Conflict Management: How Early Interpreters Address Paul’s Reference to Those Baptized for the Dead (1 Corinthians 15:29)

Modern scholars often understand 1 Cor 15:29 as a clear reference to the baptism of living individuals proxies for departed. Yet before or at time Corinthians, there appears be no evidence this practice similar one. A reasonable explanation its emergence, therefore, is that tradition derives from 15:29, rather than giving rise it. Consequently, supplies unique opportunity see how Paul’s earliest interpreters navigated conflict between emergent proxy and others they had inherited. Responses varied acceptance (Marcion) tolerance (Ambrosiaster) rejection (Tertullian, Didymus, Epiphanius, Chrysostom, Eznik) being what describes. Adopters found support in Paul breaking with prior interpreted basis creating new fit distinctive need their community. By contrast, those who tolerate reject interpretation do so by considering both himself more thoroughly situated within existing traditions rule out baptism. These different responses illustrate complex interplay conflicting through which his letters have been continue received. also surface key features tradition, whether occurs explicitly religious spheres not.