contrast, no reference to the Corinthian church’s experience of social alienation appears in 1 or 2 Corinthians (Barclay 1992: 57). Instead, Paul contrasts the affliction and dishonor of apostles with the Corinthians’ relative tranquility (1 Cor. 4:9–13; 15:30–32; 16:9). The Corinthians appear to be getting on quite well in their community (De Vos 1999: 206–14). Paul can envision certain ones participating in feasts in the dining rooms of pagan temples (8:10) and being invited to share meals in the