Diatribe

A rhetorical style of argument consisting, in essence, of a dialogue with an imaginary partner.

Diatribes are used by Paul, most frequently in his letter to the Romans. It it he often anticipates questions that his readers may ask and he responds to them, e.g., "Then what advantage has the Jews? Or what is the value of circumcision?" (3:1). In 6:1, he begins a new discussion by asking, "What then are we to say? Should we continue in sin in order that grace may abound?" He goes on to respond to these questions in the verses afterwards.