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Book Review: Pauline Theology: Ministry and Society

Pauline Theology: Ministry and Society is a reprint of Ellis' original work published by Eerdmans in 1989. This book resulted from various lectureships and dealt with five topical dimensions: "(1) minis~ry as a concept in Paul's theology, (2) Its source in gifts from the ascended Christ, (3) its bearing on the role of women and (4) on official or ordered status in the congregation, and (5) its place in the social order of the GrecoRoman world" (p. ix). His endeavor included the thirteen canonical letters of Paul demonstrating applications of Paul's ministry for today. Ministry as a broad concept-any assistance to people rendered as a service to God-demonstrated a gift manifested in a variety of ways. Paul's view of ministry, rooted in his Jewish background and christology, was "fellowship in Christ's sufferings" constituting"gifts from the exalted Lord" (p. 3). Manifesting itself in the believing community ways and implemented with an eschatological aspect, the work of the Spirit brought power and blessing. The Spirit mediated gifts to the believing community as the basis for ministry and edification thereby initiating the age to come. Building on the concept of salvation history, Paul anticipated the parousia. As ministry reflected the Spirit'S gifts, responsible acts in society found their significance in the command to love one's neighbor (Paul's theological ethic).