Christ & Caesar
God / Son of God
The imperial use of “god” simply put the emperor on a pedestal above normal men; Paul uses “God” to identify Jesus as a different kind of being altogether.
Continue ReadingLord / Principalities and Powers
Both Paul & the imperial cult build off of the normal meaning of “Lord”: someone who exercises authority. In Paul’s letters, it pulls in a great deal of context from the Old Testament.
Continue ReadingSavior / Gospel
The imperial cult presented Caesar as the governmental and military savior of the empire and its citizens. Paul, however, presented Jesus as a self-sacrificial savior of those who are united with him by faith.
Continue ReadingPeace / Security
Paul’s concern is not that the empire promised peace and security per se, but that people might view imperial peace and security as ultimate. His desire is that his readers not be swayed to rely on a temporary, limited substitute for Jesus’ ultimate peace and security.
Continue ReadingAppearance / Arrival
Both Paul and the Greek authors of the first century refer to the arrival of a notable leader or official. So long as citizens were living according to the rules of that leader, the arrival was eagerly anticipated. Paul uses “arrival” in this way to give his readers hope during difficulties and to motivate them to live like those who are under Jesus’ authority.
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