A friend of mine put me onto Teresa Morgan’s book Being ‘in Christ’ in the Letters of Paul, which argues - among other things - that Paul understood himself as an “imperial administrator” on behalf of Christ.
I suspect Paul would have thought of himself as serving an alternative kingdom rather than empire, but everything Morgan says still applies. Paul's language reminds me again of the importance of imagination in Christian discipleship. I've suspected for some time that while "in Christ" can and does mean many things, it's Paul's way of saying "in the kingdom," which is why he refers specifically to the kingdom of God so infrequently.
Fascinating. I wonder if Morgan's approach might provide fodder for Christian nationalists like Doug Wilson or Christian Wolfe. Of course, that is not an argument against it, just simmering concern.
Mike, I wonder if you could convince any of your friends at Baker Academic (or elsewhere) to publish a paperback version (like they have with Brill and other expensive publications).
I suspect Paul would have thought of himself as serving an alternative kingdom rather than empire, but everything Morgan says still applies. Paul's language reminds me again of the importance of imagination in Christian discipleship. I've suspected for some time that while "in Christ" can and does mean many things, it's Paul's way of saying "in the kingdom," which is why he refers specifically to the kingdom of God so infrequently.
Richard, well put!
If I didn’t know any better me thinks you just solidified my view of either Episcopacy or Presbyteria polities. 😂
Sorry Baptists. Check mate. 😜
Victory!
Paul did declare himself a citizen of Rome
Wasn’t that why he was sent to Rome for a trial?
He also appealed to the Emperor to exonerate him.
Fascinating. I wonder if Morgan's approach might provide fodder for Christian nationalists like Doug Wilson or Christian Wolfe. Of course, that is not an argument against it, just simmering concern.
I don't think so, since that was part of Paul's apostolic office.
Mike, I wonder if you could convince any of your friends at Baker Academic (or elsewhere) to publish a paperback version (like they have with Brill and other expensive publications).