This monograph began its life as a doctoral thesis presented to and accepted by the University of Cambridge in 1987. Since then it has been revised and updated extensively.

Many people have cast a critical eye over this work at various stages of its development and their suggestions and encouragement have been invaluable. I am particularly grateful to my supervisor in Cambridge, the Lady Margaret Professor of Divinity, Morna D. Hooker, who enlarged my understanding of the cross of Christ in Paul and helped me to see its implications for the Christian ministry. I am also grateful to Mr A. G. Woodhead, a classical archaeologist and life-fellow of Corpus Christi College, who carefully supervised my work on first-century Corinth. My original readers, Dr Douglas R. de Lacey and the Rev. J. P. M. Sweet, sharpened many loose arguments and caught several errant details, as did Professor David Hellholm and Dr Margaret E. Thrall, who read the manuscript in preparation for publication. I wish especially to thank Dr Thrall who agreed to include this work in the SNTS monograph series. Several friends have provided important moral support: Dr Roy D. Clements; Professor Murray J. Harris; Professor Harold W. Hoehner; and the late Dr Colin J. Hemer. Mr Steven R. Laube compiled the indexes with admirable patience and accuracy. To each person, my debt is immense.