Pauline Theology [Paperback]

Earle E. Ellis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 12, 1996 | ISBN-10: 0761806121 | ISBN-13: 978-0761806127

What exactly is ministry in Paul's theology, and how was ministry manifested in his churches? E. Ellis Earle explores these questions in this book, addressing a number of controversial questions head-on: Is sociopolitical action a valid form of Christian ministry? Does 'liberation theology' accord with the apostle Paul's theology or fly in the face of it? What is the meaning and place of tongues in the churches of Paul's day and of today? What is the apostolic teaching on the role of women in ministry and in the home? The essential characteristic of ministry for Paul is its eschatological dimension: Christian ministry is a present manifestation of the coming kingdom of God. The primary purpose of ministry, therefore, is not to serve or change society but to call people from the sphere of Adam to community in Christ and to build them up in their new identity in Christ. Throughout his book Ellis demonstrates a solid understanding of the Pauline church in its first-century milieu. He is particularly helpful, however, in bringing out the implications of Paul's theology for the church today. Originally published in 1989 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing.

Editorial Reviews

Review

...insights compelling the serious reader to reconsider and reclaim authentic Pauline ministry.>>>> (Review and Exhibition )

...a delightful summary in popular form...>>>> (Calvin Theological Journal )

...a delightful summary in popular form... (Calvin Theological Journal )

...insights compelling the serious reader to reconsider and reclaim authentic Pauline ministry. (Review and Exhibition )

About the Author

E. Earle Ellis is Research Professor of Theology at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: University Press Of America (December 12, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761806121
• ISBN-13: 978-0761806127
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,319,991 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Classic work on Paul's understanding of ministry, January 14, 2006

By 

Celucien L. Joseph (Fort Worth, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pauline Theology: Ministry and Society (Paperback)

What exactly is ministry in Pauline theology, and how was such concept applied in Pauline congregations? According to Ellis, For the Apostle Paul; ministry is the manifestation of the kingdom of God in the person of Jesus Christ; through his coming, death, burial and resurrection. Paul viewed ministry as a "transfer of spheres"; that is from the sphere of Adam to the sphere of Christ.

Ellis argued meticulously that Paul's understanding of ministry is not, therefore, the goal of transforming society (that is important too); rather to bring back those who are in Adam to the kingdom of God through his Son, Jesus Christ. Such Transfer introduces the believers to a new community, a new creation and a new existence "in Christ." While ministry has a sociopolitical context, however that is not its primary outreach, said the author. Thus Paul's theology of ministry is christocentrically focused and soteriologically aimed.