Pauline Theology

By E. Earle Ellis

Book Overview

The book should provide a lively counterpoint to both the standard liberal and conservative treatments in courses on Paul's view of ministry. - Theology Today Ellis' judicious treatment and penetrating analysis of the relevant biblical material will force many of us...to think more precisely about the concept of ministry in Paul's writings, how ministry manifested itself in the churches of his day, and what are its implications for us today. - Westminster Theological Journal Ellis gives a sound critique of liberation theology and sociopolitical action as ministry. He gives a balanced view of the gifts and the fruit of the Spirit and, on biblical grounds, he defends the ordination of single and, with qualifications, married women. Challenging, but meant for the intelligent church member. -Librarian's World It's a gem. It is a delightful summary in popular form of themes that Ellis has been at work on throughout his years of productive scholarship. It is 'copiously footnoted...with concise bibliographies on the points at hand...Hence, this short book becomes encyclopedic. - Calvin Theological Journal A splendid tour de force in the best sense. - James G. D. Dunn These essays...represent in many respects a valuable corrective to much of what passes for biblical theology in our times. - Paul J. Achtemeier

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1597520918
• ISBN13: 9781597520911
• Release Date: February 2005
• Publisher: Wipf & Stock Publishers
• Length: 198 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Classic work on Paul's understanding of ministry

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.