The Integrity of 2 Corinthians from a Linguistic Perspective: Is There a Text in These Meanings?

Abstract

<p> After surveying previous language-related claims about the integrity of 2 Corinthians, this study develops a definition of "text" using Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL). According to SFL, a text is the structured realization of a context of situation involving: (1) a particular activity together with its concomitant interpersonal roles and relations; (2) a particular sphere of human experience; and (3) a particular mode of conveying information. Moreover, because each of these contextual parameters correlates with specific linguistic systems, a general linguistic analysis can be used to assess whether or not an apparant text does or does not encode a plausible context.</p> <p> Employing an analysis of progressive moves to explore what is being done and an analysis of semantic domains to explore what is being talked about (as well as some additional analyses of conjunctive relations, identity chains, and cohesive harmony), the present study proposes that the body of 2 Corinthians consists of five segments wherein leadership in enacted within the sphere of the Christian church. First, after expressing a positive disposition towards its readers, 2 Corinthians addresses Paul and Timothy's controversial behaviour, especially Paul's handling of Corinthian immorality (1:3-2:13). Second, it teaches the Corinthians how to respond when people criticize the Pauline mission (2:14-5:21 ). Third, it appeals for communal purity while also acknowledging some recent progress in this area (6:1-7:16). Fourth, it reports an unexpected development in Macedonia and explains the task to which its bearers have been appointed (8:1-9: 15). Fifth, it warns that discipline will be enacted upon Paul and Timothy's arrival if the Corinthians do not continue to maintain the purity of their congregation, and it attempts to shut down distracting leadership debates by denigrating the worldly leadership standards that are operative in those debates ( 10:1-13:10).</p> <p> Inasmuch as that these behaviours can be plausibly regarded as the sequential stages of a single, unfolding context of situation, this study concludes that 2 Corinthians is a single letter. Moreover, a number of exploratory suggestions are made with regard to the interpretive and historical implications of reading 2 Corinthians in light of this overarching context of situation.</p>