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Paul's Idea of Community: Spirit and Culture in Early House Churches
This highly readable investigation of the early church explores the revolutionary nature, dynamics, and effects of the earliest Christian communities. It introduces readers to the cultural setting of the house churches of biblical times, examines the apostle Paul's vision of life in the Christian church, and explores how the New Testament model of community applies to Christian practice today. Updated and revised throughout, this 40th-anniversary edition incorporates recent research, updates the bibliography, and adds a new fictional narrative that depicts the life and times of the early church.
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 2, 1979
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March 2, 2020
Summary: A study of how Paul understood the nature of community in the churches he planted, considered against the cultural backgrounds of first century AD Greco-Roman culture.
No writer of scripture has contributed more to our understanding of the nature of the church and the practices of Christian community than Paul. Yet we often read into Paul our own culture, resulting in our missing the cultural context in which Paul worked and how his writings addressed early believers in that culture. Robert J. Banks has devoted scholarly attention to this topic since the first edition of this volume in 1994. Now, he offers us an updated version of this work, drawing on the most recent research, reflected in an updated bibliography, and a additional appendix, offering a "narrative exegesis" of Paul in a fictional account of a visit to an early house church gathering.
He sets the early Christian movement in the context of other contemporary religions and emperor worship, as well as the social structures of the Roman world. He then discusses the distinctive character of Paul's idea of Christian freedom--a freedom lived for others. In companion chapters, Banks describes the work setting in which house churches often existed, in a building with a shopfront where business was done, and gatherings in family quarters either in the back or in an "upper room," and then the heavenly setting. He considers community in the context of the loving family household, calling attention to Paul's use of family terminology, and the organic reality inherent in the use of "body" imagery.
The chapter on mutual learning and testing of faith was especially valuable, I thought, because of its focus of the knowledge element of faith. In a time focused on praxis, Banks reminds us how much the language of thinking and knowledge and testing is found in Paul's writing. He shows how this informs faith, hope, and love, and distinguishes Paul's use of "knowledge" from that of the mystery cults, stoics, cynics, and Judaism.
He considers the practical expressions of fellowship from baptism, to laying on hands, sharing of possessions and holy kisses, and especially the common meal, bringing people together from across the social classes of the day. He offers a trenchant analysis of Paul's use of spiritual gift language and the configurations of their usage holding together the tension of grace and order. Diversity extends beyond gifts to gender, race, and class, and Banks shows the radical ways the early Christian movement overcame these distinctions in the practice of equality, albeit allowing for functional diversity. This equality eliminates distinctions between priests and laity, between officials and ordinary members, and between the holy and the common. Leadership is defined instead by function and not position. Banks argues here that the laying on of hands was not an "ordination" imparting a special grace but rather the recognition of congregational discernment in prayer and fellowship.
The last four chapters explore the relationship of "missioners" like Paul and his diverse companions to the church, a body sharing in partnership with that mission. He describes how Paul exercises his authority in relation to the other apostles and through both authoritative teaching and service. It is curious that Banks' treatment of the Pastorals is relegated to an appendix, representing a deferral to scholarship that classifies these as "disputed." He leaves the question for the reader to decide, noting both continuities and discontinuities and development from Paul's thought.
Every chapter has been the subject of numerous books and monographs. What Banks accomplishes is to offer a comprehensive overview with both scholarly depth and the concision valuable for pastoral theologians who want to ground practice in solid biblical and sociocultural studies.
________________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
No writer of scripture has contributed more to our understanding of the nature of the church and the practices of Christian community than Paul. Yet we often read into Paul our own culture, resulting in our missing the cultural context in which Paul worked and how his writings addressed early believers in that culture. Robert J. Banks has devoted scholarly attention to this topic since the first edition of this volume in 1994. Now, he offers us an updated version of this work, drawing on the most recent research, reflected in an updated bibliography, and a additional appendix, offering a "narrative exegesis" of Paul in a fictional account of a visit to an early house church gathering.
He sets the early Christian movement in the context of other contemporary religions and emperor worship, as well as the social structures of the Roman world. He then discusses the distinctive character of Paul's idea of Christian freedom--a freedom lived for others. In companion chapters, Banks describes the work setting in which house churches often existed, in a building with a shopfront where business was done, and gatherings in family quarters either in the back or in an "upper room," and then the heavenly setting. He considers community in the context of the loving family household, calling attention to Paul's use of family terminology, and the organic reality inherent in the use of "body" imagery.
The chapter on mutual learning and testing of faith was especially valuable, I thought, because of its focus of the knowledge element of faith. In a time focused on praxis, Banks reminds us how much the language of thinking and knowledge and testing is found in Paul's writing. He shows how this informs faith, hope, and love, and distinguishes Paul's use of "knowledge" from that of the mystery cults, stoics, cynics, and Judaism.
He considers the practical expressions of fellowship from baptism, to laying on hands, sharing of possessions and holy kisses, and especially the common meal, bringing people together from across the social classes of the day. He offers a trenchant analysis of Paul's use of spiritual gift language and the configurations of their usage holding together the tension of grace and order. Diversity extends beyond gifts to gender, race, and class, and Banks shows the radical ways the early Christian movement overcame these distinctions in the practice of equality, albeit allowing for functional diversity. This equality eliminates distinctions between priests and laity, between officials and ordinary members, and between the holy and the common. Leadership is defined instead by function and not position. Banks argues here that the laying on of hands was not an "ordination" imparting a special grace but rather the recognition of congregational discernment in prayer and fellowship.
The last four chapters explore the relationship of "missioners" like Paul and his diverse companions to the church, a body sharing in partnership with that mission. He describes how Paul exercises his authority in relation to the other apostles and through both authoritative teaching and service. It is curious that Banks' treatment of the Pastorals is relegated to an appendix, representing a deferral to scholarship that classifies these as "disputed." He leaves the question for the reader to decide, noting both continuities and discontinuities and development from Paul's thought.
Every chapter has been the subject of numerous books and monographs. What Banks accomplishes is to offer a comprehensive overview with both scholarly depth and the concision valuable for pastoral theologians who want to ground practice in solid biblical and sociocultural studies.
________________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
January 13, 2021
Very good examination of the early church's social history.
November 4, 2019
Many people have pretty positive views about the word 'Community.' It is a good way to deflect attention from self toward others. We have all learned the importance to be in it for the greater good. Unfortunately, this word has been overused, even abused. It can also become a cliche for political correctness or to score points with our support base. For many Christians, the word 'community' has become a part of their Church or non-profit names. Lest we diminish the true meaning of community, it is good to come back to the biblical definition and understanding of community. The prime example: The Early Church. This book takes a look at community using references from his epistles to the various churches at that time. The third edition thoroughly revises and updates the material for a new generation. Also include is an article with a catchy title: "Going to Church in the First Century." However, the crux of the book is the same: to highlight the key themes of community from the many epistles of Paul in the New Testament, the apocrypha, Jewish writings, and extra-biblical sources. The main source will remain the New Testament epistles. Although Paul did not proceed step by step to build on his theology of the community, Banks actually did by arranging the book according to themes. He begins with a sociological and religious settings to give readers a context from which Paul's ideas were cultivated. This will give us a better understanding on the origins and nature of community in the first century. The goal of community was not some kind of altruism or harmony, but Christian maturity. This is important because it points us back to Christ. A community that is Christian in the first place must lead us toward Christ. It cannot become an end in itself. A community is visible through its interactions and members' behaviour toward each other. Through meals and signs of fellowship, the body of Christ is a unity of body, mind, and spirit. The acts of baptism, communion, fellowship, the sharing of possessions, gifts, and ministry support of one another allow the gifts of grace to be evident. The gifts of God to the community are there to help members edify the body. They are there to promote unity and diversity at the same time.
There are some chapters on specific issues such as women's role in the community, especially on Paul's prohibitions on women. At least on a relative scale, Christian communities at that time give women more rights than societal norms. Paul also takes time to dissolve any legalistic distinctions that threaten the fabric of unity. That was why he takes pains to tell the communities that neither male nor female; slave or free; Jews or Gentiles; priests or laity; or any distinguishing status in society should ever separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Paul also argues for the abolishing of all kinds of discriminatory practices; in particular, gender, race, and class distinctions. On leadership in the community, Paul teaches leadership by function rather than by position. There are also teachings about how communities ought to welcome visitors, guests, and missioners. Paul makes an important point about a community that needs to look outward more than inward. The chapter on the link between mission and the Church does exactly that. The community of Christ is both local and global; centralized and decentralized. This is a powerful reminder that structures don't define communities. It is the reverse that is true.
While it is true that Paul's emphasis on community is not unique, his epistles reveal one of the most prominent teachings on the meaning and nature of community. On top of that, he anchors his ideas on Scripture, something that modern believers ought to emulate, instead of merely following the world's thoughts and examples. For that matter, Christians as salt and light ought to flavour and show the way on what true community looks like. Going the biblical way is certainly the preferred way. The author treats this rather comprehensively. He looks at the concept of community from the socio-cultural and religious settings, arguing that if we want to understand Paul's ideas, we need to grasp the social and religious contexts at that time. Understanding the three main social and religious groups (voluntary associations, religious groups, and philosophical schools) shine a light on the nature of community. Jews at that time form "brotherhoods" as a reaction against Roman authoritarianism. Greeks, Romans, and philosophers question the relevance of religions and reacted with cynicism. Banks argues that Christian communities are shaped out of these environments. Yet, Paul tries to free the Christian communities from being conformed to such expectations. Instead, they are held to higher standards: Morality without legalism; respectful but not compromise; and bounded but yet free. Freedom for Paul is profoundly independent, dependent, and interdependent.
My Thoughts
First, the Christian community is focused on Christ. In trying to piece together Paul's idea of a Community, it is important to note that the topic of community was never the main thing in his letters. Paul's purpose was for the Church to grow in holiness and Christlikeness. When writing about unity for the community, the focus is on the Head of the Church, which is Christ. The anchor of faith is Christ. The purpose of coming together in love is essentially about honouring Christ. One might even say that a true community is the Christian community because only in Christ can anyone manifest true unity. This is another way of saying that true unity is unity in the truth. This is the core reason for community. Reasons that are anything other than Christ would be considered peripheral reasons.
Second, Paul did not set out to focus on community in the first place. Even though Paul has been systematic and rational in his presentation of the gospel, it does not necessarily mean that community was something that "proceeds logically from one point to another." It takes a lot of study to identify the patterns of community mentioned either directly or indirectly in Paul's writings. Banks help do the heavy-lifting on our behalf to reveal many precious lessons about what community looks like and how we can also pattern our modern communities after them. So, do not glorify the community or Paul's ideas about community because that was not his purpose at all.
Finally, why should anyone read this book? Answer: We need one another to push us toward Christ. We are called to love one another in order that people may know we are disciples of Christ. A community of love will draw people to the Source of this unity and love. As one leafs through each chapter, one would quickly discern the central heartbeat of the book: individuals are members of the body of Christ working and supporting one another toward a purpose larger than themselves. The idea of non-discriminatory practices is not a modern invention. It has been taught in Paul's letters thousands of years ago. The use of gifts is never for self-gratification but for the edification of the community. These and many more will help us pattern our modern communities more effectively.
Robert J. Banks is senior research and development fellow in the Centre for the History of Christian Thought & Experience at Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia. Formerly he served as executive director of the De Pree Leadership Center and was Homer L. Goddard Professor of the Ministry of the Laity, both at Fuller Theological Seminary.
Rating: 4.25 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Academic and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
There are some chapters on specific issues such as women's role in the community, especially on Paul's prohibitions on women. At least on a relative scale, Christian communities at that time give women more rights than societal norms. Paul also takes time to dissolve any legalistic distinctions that threaten the fabric of unity. That was why he takes pains to tell the communities that neither male nor female; slave or free; Jews or Gentiles; priests or laity; or any distinguishing status in society should ever separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Paul also argues for the abolishing of all kinds of discriminatory practices; in particular, gender, race, and class distinctions. On leadership in the community, Paul teaches leadership by function rather than by position. There are also teachings about how communities ought to welcome visitors, guests, and missioners. Paul makes an important point about a community that needs to look outward more than inward. The chapter on the link between mission and the Church does exactly that. The community of Christ is both local and global; centralized and decentralized. This is a powerful reminder that structures don't define communities. It is the reverse that is true.
While it is true that Paul's emphasis on community is not unique, his epistles reveal one of the most prominent teachings on the meaning and nature of community. On top of that, he anchors his ideas on Scripture, something that modern believers ought to emulate, instead of merely following the world's thoughts and examples. For that matter, Christians as salt and light ought to flavour and show the way on what true community looks like. Going the biblical way is certainly the preferred way. The author treats this rather comprehensively. He looks at the concept of community from the socio-cultural and religious settings, arguing that if we want to understand Paul's ideas, we need to grasp the social and religious contexts at that time. Understanding the three main social and religious groups (voluntary associations, religious groups, and philosophical schools) shine a light on the nature of community. Jews at that time form "brotherhoods" as a reaction against Roman authoritarianism. Greeks, Romans, and philosophers question the relevance of religions and reacted with cynicism. Banks argues that Christian communities are shaped out of these environments. Yet, Paul tries to free the Christian communities from being conformed to such expectations. Instead, they are held to higher standards: Morality without legalism; respectful but not compromise; and bounded but yet free. Freedom for Paul is profoundly independent, dependent, and interdependent.
My Thoughts
First, the Christian community is focused on Christ. In trying to piece together Paul's idea of a Community, it is important to note that the topic of community was never the main thing in his letters. Paul's purpose was for the Church to grow in holiness and Christlikeness. When writing about unity for the community, the focus is on the Head of the Church, which is Christ. The anchor of faith is Christ. The purpose of coming together in love is essentially about honouring Christ. One might even say that a true community is the Christian community because only in Christ can anyone manifest true unity. This is another way of saying that true unity is unity in the truth. This is the core reason for community. Reasons that are anything other than Christ would be considered peripheral reasons.
Second, Paul did not set out to focus on community in the first place. Even though Paul has been systematic and rational in his presentation of the gospel, it does not necessarily mean that community was something that "proceeds logically from one point to another." It takes a lot of study to identify the patterns of community mentioned either directly or indirectly in Paul's writings. Banks help do the heavy-lifting on our behalf to reveal many precious lessons about what community looks like and how we can also pattern our modern communities after them. So, do not glorify the community or Paul's ideas about community because that was not his purpose at all.
Finally, why should anyone read this book? Answer: We need one another to push us toward Christ. We are called to love one another in order that people may know we are disciples of Christ. A community of love will draw people to the Source of this unity and love. As one leafs through each chapter, one would quickly discern the central heartbeat of the book: individuals are members of the body of Christ working and supporting one another toward a purpose larger than themselves. The idea of non-discriminatory practices is not a modern invention. It has been taught in Paul's letters thousands of years ago. The use of gifts is never for self-gratification but for the edification of the community. These and many more will help us pattern our modern communities more effectively.
Robert J. Banks is senior research and development fellow in the Centre for the History of Christian Thought & Experience at Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia. Formerly he served as executive director of the De Pree Leadership Center and was Homer L. Goddard Professor of the Ministry of the Laity, both at Fuller Theological Seminary.
Rating: 4.25 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Academic and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
March 23, 2021
Banks' work is an excellent, scholarly treatment of a theme often underemphasized in our church models. He focuses on Paul's views concerning authority and community as expressed in the church, the body (an interesting distinction he makes) and the mission.
I will be looking over my notes intently because there is much food for thought. Among the strengths of this writing are the author's grasp of key Greek words that clarify Pauline concepts, ample Bible references supporting his arguments and very succinct conclusion at the end of each chapter that give the reader a useful review of key concepts discussed.
My views on spiritual authority are very compatible with what is put forward in this book. The belief that functional authority (i.e., service anointing by the Spirit) should be honored above structural authority (i.e., title positions) is life-giving to the body of Christ. It creates a reliance on the Spirit to lead and a de-emphasis on human personality. I recommend each reader to delve deeply into what God intends for His people in the area of anointing service as you walk through this fine treatment of the Pauline text.
I will be looking over my notes intently because there is much food for thought. Among the strengths of this writing are the author's grasp of key Greek words that clarify Pauline concepts, ample Bible references supporting his arguments and very succinct conclusion at the end of each chapter that give the reader a useful review of key concepts discussed.
My views on spiritual authority are very compatible with what is put forward in this book. The belief that functional authority (i.e., service anointing by the Spirit) should be honored above structural authority (i.e., title positions) is life-giving to the body of Christ. It creates a reliance on the Spirit to lead and a de-emphasis on human personality. I recommend each reader to delve deeply into what God intends for His people in the area of anointing service as you walk through this fine treatment of the Pauline text.
January 22, 2022
The Ultimate Reference for the Early Church
I have primarily studied the history of the Early Church for the past five years or more. I’ve read as many books as I can get my hands on that would help shed light on what early Christianity was like. I can say without any doubt, this book IS the foremost authority on the subject. It can be a difficult read at times, as it does get “scholarly” with MANY Scripture and professional references, but that’s what you want if you want an honest and objective study of a subject. You will see a HUGE divide between the early church and what we call “church” today, so much so, that it makes you wonder if what we practice today is even the same thing.
I have primarily studied the history of the Early Church for the past five years or more. I’ve read as many books as I can get my hands on that would help shed light on what early Christianity was like. I can say without any doubt, this book IS the foremost authority on the subject. It can be a difficult read at times, as it does get “scholarly” with MANY Scripture and professional references, but that’s what you want if you want an honest and objective study of a subject. You will see a HUGE divide between the early church and what we call “church” today, so much so, that it makes you wonder if what we practice today is even the same thing.
December 9, 2019
Paul’s Idea of Community: Spirit & Culture in Early House Churches by Robert Banks was a very interesting look at ‘community’ in the first century and serves as a call to the present day church to imitate the biblical model. The goal from this book is to have a Gospel centered focus not only in practice but in finding the source for direction. This does focus on the letters of Paul and not the entire New Testament.
#PaulsIdeaOfCommunity #NetGalley
#PaulsIdeaOfCommunity #NetGalley
March 29, 2022
The book was very well done, but it could be a tough read at parts if you’re not prepared for what you’re getting into. I could see myself re-reading it later on and treating it as a classroom-style book that I study and take notes on.
The last 20 pages, Going to Church in the First Century, were great. I would recommend that short story to anyone interested in getting a glimpse of what the early churches might have looked like.
The last 20 pages, Going to Church in the First Century, were great. I would recommend that short story to anyone interested in getting a glimpse of what the early churches might have looked like.
March 30, 2025
This book addressed the culture during the time in which the church was formed, and how Paul helped to form the culture of the early churches. The book was not exactly what I expected, but good nonetheless.
September 28, 2021
Some really good insights to the Paul’s early church & community.
Read
June 7, 2023but is it “paul’s idea of community” or “banks’ idea of paul’s idea of community”
May 6, 2023
Banks has some important observations often missed about the early church and Paul’s view of it - namely, Paul’s favorite analogy being the family, the non-blueprint for church operation, the need for full participation and mutually-serving Spirit-led ministry by all members, a clearer view of baptism and communion, etc. However, Banks also falls down when it comes to discussion about leadership, authority, and formal positions within the church as well as some aspects of worship. Specifically, his willful ignoring of the Pastorals (with a somewhat lame attempt to defend this in an appendix) and similar ignoring of passages like Acts 6, 14:23, etc. seem to take away from his viewpoint and lessen the impact of his perspective. As a low church, house-church advocate, on some subjects his bias comes shining through simply too much. However, overall the book does shine light upon important topics and fresh views that need to be discussed and listened to today. (Side Note: his narrative picture of a 1st century church in the appendix was only mediocre IMO, especially as it lacked any mention of the Gospel or discussion of the Gospel in any way by the participants. Again, it fell contrived to fit his view - even if I think the setting he puts forth is likely historically accurate. He just played fast & loose a little too loosely.)
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews