Within the Greco-Roman world, Christians were free to refuse – free to refuse the patronage and benefits of benefactors and patrons, free to refuse because they had a more than adequate heavenly Benefactor and Patron.
Refuseniks formed a community of refuseniks, an alternative network of charis , a black market in charismaata .
But then Paul refuses help from the Corinthians and most everyone else. Sewing his tents, he is free to refuse even Christian patrons.
What do we get when refuseniks are freed to refuse other refuseniks?
Ingrates? Individuals? Or are these synonymous?
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
Of Roots and Adventures
I have lived in Ohio, Michigan, Georgia (twice), Pennsylvania, Alabama (also twice), England, and Idaho. I left…
Our Most Popular Articles of 2025
It’s been a big year for First Things. Our website was completely redesigned, and stories like the…
Our Year in Film & Television—2025
First Things editors and writers share the most memorable films and TV shows they watched this year.…
