Serve the Community of the Church :

This volume explores the nature of leadership roles and positions in the early Christian communities of the first- century church. Drawing from ancient source material as well as from the New Testament, Andrew Clarke describes the theories and practices of organization and leadership in key areas of first-century Greaco-Roman society -- the city, the colony, associations, Jewish synagogues, the family -- and discusses the extent to which these models influenced the first Christians in defining their own communities.

Providing a fascinating look at the social and historical background of the New Testament, this volume is also important for focusing on a theme that has implications for the organization of church life in our own time.

Andrew D. Clarke is lecturer in New Testament at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland.

Introduction

1

(10)

The Social Context of the New Testament

1

(4)

Mind the Gap

5

(6)

PART I LEADERSHIP IN GRAECO-ROMAN SOCIETY

Leadership In The Graeco-Roman City

11

(24)

Introduction

11

(2)

The Political Structures of the Graeco-Roman City

13

(6)

The Religious Structures of the Graeco-Roman City

19

(6)

Leading Figures in the Graeco-Roman City

25

(7)

Conclusion

32

(3)

Leadership In The Roman Colony and City

35

(24)

Introduction

35

(1)

The Status and Constitution of Roman Cities

36

(5)

Leading Figures in the Roman Colony

41

(17)

Conclusion

58

(1)

Leadership In The Voluntary Associations

59

(20)

Introduction

59

(3)

Defining the Voluntary Associations

62

(3)

The Social, Political and Religious Dimensions of Voluntary Associations

65

(10)

Conclusion

75

(4)

Leadership In The Family and Household

79

(24)

Introduction

79

(7)

The Father as the Leader of the Household

86

(4)

The Father and his Sons

90

(2)

The Father and his Slaves

92

(3)

The Father and Household Religion

95

(6)

Conclusion

101

(2)

Leadership In The Jewish Synagogues

103

(42)

Introduction

103

(2)

The Origins of the Synagogue

105

(14)

The Function of the Synagogue

119

(7)

The Role and Function of Synagogue Leaders

126

(12)

The Status of Jews in Society

138

(2)

Conclusion

140

(5)

PART II LEADERSHIP IN THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

Leadership Models For The Christian Community

145

(28)

Introduction

145

(3)

The Influence of Graeco-Roman Society on Christian Communities

148

(3)

The Christian Community and Cities

151

(2)

The Christian Community and Associations

153

(7)

The Christian Community and Families and Households

160

(6)

The Christian Community and the Synagogue

166

(4)

The Nature of the New Testament Evidence

170

(3)

Secular Leadership In The Christian Community

173

(36)

Introduction

173

(1)

1 Corinthians --- a Community Divided over its Leaders

174

(11)

2 Corinthians --- a Community Boastful of its Leaders

185

(4)

Romans --- a Community with Leaders Preoccupied with Status

189

(3)

Philippians --- a Community with Leaders Preoccupied with Politics

192

(5)

1 & 2 Thessalonians --- a Community influenced by Pagan Culture

197

(4)

Galatians --- Communities with Proud Leaders

201

(1)

Philemon --- a Household Leader and Church Leader

202

(5)

Conclusion

207

(2)

Pauline Ministry In The Christian Community

209

(40)

Introduction

209

(1)

Authority

210

(23)

Ministry or Service

233

(13)

Conclusion

246

(3)

Conclusions

249

(4)

Christian `Leaders' Serving as `Ministers'

249

(2)

Institutionalization

251

(2)

Bibliography

253

(34)

Indexes

287

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Serve the Community of the Church : Christians as Leaders and Ministers

Summary

Author Biography

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials