Beschreibung:
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title>
<jats:p>In 1 Corinthians 11:28–29, Paul refers to the need for a person “to examine” (δοκιµάζω) oneself and “to discern” (διακρίνω) the body prior to participating in the meal. These are important terms and yet modern scholarship fails to provide a convincing explanation of Paul’s language. This article considers the use of these terms within the ancient Mediterranean, and more specifically, Greek, context as relevant background material to understand why Paul adopts this language in this section of 1 Corinthians. It will then explicate the import of this language in understanding Paul’s rhetoric in the broader section of the letter that is 1 Cor 11:17–34.</jats:p>