This important work engages with a long historical debate: were the earliest Christians under the direction of ordained ministers, or under the influence of inspired laypeople? Who was in charge: bishops, elders and deacons, or apostles, prophets and teachers? Rather than trace Church offices backwards, Burtchaell examines the contemporary Jewish communities and finds evidence that Christians simply continued the offices of the synagogue. Thus, he asserts that from the very first they were presided over by officers. The author then advances the provocative view that in the first century it...
This important work engages with a long historical debate: were the earliest Christians under the direction of ordained ministers, or under the influe...
In this unique work James Tunstead Burtchaell uses the ancient story of Philemon and Onesimus as a compelling entry into modern theological reflection on the unbelievable reach of the grace and forgiveness of God.
First published twenty-five years ago, this extensively rewritten edition of Philemon's Problem tracks across the spectrum of Christian thought -- from doctrine to ethics to worship. Burtchaell's provocative narrative demonstrates the profound insight that the father of Jesus is not an angry god in need of sacrificial appeasement but a God of absolute love. Burtchaell argues...
In this unique work James Tunstead Burtchaell uses the ancient story of Philemon and Onesimus as a compelling entry into modern theological reflection...
This important work engages with a long historical debate: were the earliest Christians under the direction of ordained ministers, or under the influence of inspired laypeople? Who was in charge: bishops, elders and deacons, or apostles, prophets and teachers? Rather than trace Church offices backwards, Burtchaell examines the contemporary Jewish communities and finds evidence that Christians simply continued the offices of the synagogue. Thus, he asserts that from the very first they were presided over by officers. The author then advances the provocative view that in the first century it...
This important work engages with a long historical debate: were the earliest Christians under the direction of ordained ministers, or under the influe...