Paul and Philodemus: Adaptability in Epicurean and Early Christian Psychagogy

As Paul guided and educated his converts he functioned as a psychagogue ( leader of souls ), adapting his leadership style as required in each individual case. Pauline psychagogy resembles Epicurean psychagogy in the way persons enjoying a superior moral status and spiritual aptitude helped to nurture and correct others, guiding their souls in moral and religious (re)formation. This study relates Epicurean psychagogy of late Republican times to early Christian psychagogy on the basis of an investigation which places the practice in the wider socio-cultural perspective, contextualizing it in Greco-Roman literature treating friendship and flattery and the importance of adaptability in moral guidance. Pauline studies are advanced by the introduction of new material into the discussion of the Corinthian correspondence which throws light on Paul’s debate with his recalcitrant critics.