Paul's apostolate and mission: with particular reference to the "eschatological" interpretation of Oscar Cullmann, Anton Fridrichsen, and Johannes Munck

Abstract

During the period of research and composition required for this thesis, I have received valuable direction from three faculty advisors, Professors William manson, James otewart, and James Barr. I consider rayself fortunate to have had the benefit of Professor Sanson's insight and erudition for the few months before his death in April, 1958« It was he who focused my attention upon the subject of Paul's apostolic consciousness, sharing at the same time his enthusiasm for the pertinent contribution of Professor Johannes Munck. Professor Stewart has been a source of strength and encouragement throughout, and our discussions of various aspects of Paul's ministry have been enlightening. In acknowledging my debt for the interest and assistance of Professor Barr, I should like particularly to mention his guidance in delimiting the scope of my subject at a critical stage in my work.(1) From the perspective of his conversion and vocational consciousness, does Paul conceive himself to be a person called to a special ministry which he connects with God's plan of salvation in the time before the End? (2) Does the New Testament idea of the "apostle" support the view that Paul initiates the concept of a person commissioned by Christ for world mission in the last days? Is this allegedly unique Pauline sense of "apostle" then applied to Peter and gradually to all the Twelve? (3) Do the relations between Paul and the other leaders of the early church reveal a difference of eschatological viewpoint and a division of mission responsibility and territory? Does Paul's pursuit of his own task indicate that he regards his work as determinative for "The Fullness of the Gentiles", the conversion of Israel, and the return of Christ?The content of this thesis is arranged in three parts which correspond to the respective subjects of the above questions. Each of these parts includes a more detailed summary of the material which Cullmann, Fridrichsen and kunck have contributed to the eschatological interpretation of Paul's apostolate and mission. This is followed by an examination of source material most pertinent to the question concerned together with an attempt at its solution. In his review of Paulus und die Heilageschichte, Professor William manson expressed the hope that munck's position would not be dismissed before it had been fully considered and discussed.1 Accordingly the conclusions reached in this thesis are not intended to close these vital questions but rather to contribute to such a discussion.