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. Consider that Paul considers himself an “apostle” (= envoy) of Christ, a “slave” of Christ (slaves were common administrators in the imperial apparatus), elsewhere an “ambassador,” and possessing “citizenship” from heaven. Many commentators have been aware of how Paul mirrors imperial language when referring to his Lord, gospel, saviour, faith, grace, and describes co-workers as fellow-soldiers.
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.
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.