Judgment According to Works – A “Gracious” Act? Looking Anew at 1 Corinthians 3,10–17

Abstract This paper addresses the judgment discourse in 1 Cor 3 with an emphasis on how to understand vv. 15–17. A suggestion made by Peter Stuhlmacher is developed further and elaborated. Although 1 Cor 3 speaks about leaders in the Corinthian church, it moves beyond them and formulates a theology on divine judgment. The passage assumes a judgment or punishment “preceding” the final judgment. Paul conceives of the first as a limited punishment aimed at preventing condemnation along with the world. Verse 15 refers to the first judgment, while vv. 16–17 are about the final judgment. Paul develops his view on judgment according to works with help from the idea of a gracious paideia . God remains both righteous and gracious through his judgment.