Eer en skaamte as sleutelkonsepte in Chrysostomos se eksegese van 1 Korintiërs

Abstract

Many studies have shown that honour and shame were core social values in the ancient Mediterranean world. Claims that are being made in these studies are usually based on classical writings. Unfortunately these scholars seldom consult patristic writings. In this article it is argued that the ancient theologians were aware of these social values. It will be shown that honour and shame were key concepts in Chrysostom’s exegesis of Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians. This is understandable since the ancient theologians were children of the Mediterranean world, and therefore they had first-hand knowledge of these values. Modern scholars who take the historical-critical approach serious, have come to realise how important it is to read the Bible according to its appropriate cultural context. This includes appreciation of honour and shame as social core values. These scholars will benefit from reading Chrysostom because he too employed shame and honour in his exegesis of biblical texts.