Cover; Editorial Board; Title; Copyright; Dedication; CONTENTS; Preface; Abbreviations; Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION; Chapter 2: THE MATURATIONAL ASPECT OF PAUL'S APOSTOLIC COMMISSION; Chapter 3: GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING MATURITY AND MATURATION; Chapter 4: THE CENTRAL MOTIF OF MATURITY: CONFORMITY TO THE IMAGE OF CHRIST; Chapter 5: COMPONENTS OF THE MATURATION PROCESS; Chapter 6: THE ROLE OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY IN THE MATURATION PROCESS; Chapter 7: CONCLUSIONS; Bibliography; Index of References; Index of Authors
Summary
This work explores Paul's conception of maturity, paying special attention to the maturation process and the role of the local church in facilitating this process. Although central to Paul's theology, maturity is often overlooked in Pauline studies. Samra argues that Paul understood his apostolic commission to involve delivering mature believers on the day of Christ. Samra concludes by arguing that Paul expected the local church to facilitate maturation so that believers' participation in a local assembly would result in their being conformed to Christ. The church does this by facilitating the
