Pauline Theology: Ministry and Society

What exactly is ministry in Pauline theology, and how was such concept applied in Pauline congregations? According to Ellis, For the Apostle Paul; ministry is the manifestation of the kingdom of God in the person of Jesus Christ; through his coming, death, burial and resurrection. Paul viewed ministry as a "transfer of spheres"; that is from the sphere of Adam to the sphere of Christ. Ellis argued meticulously that Paul's understanding of ministry is not, therefore, the goal of transforming society (that is important too); rather to bring back those who are in Adam to the kingdom of God through his Son, Jesus Christ. Such Transfer introduces the believers to a new community, a new creation and a new existence "in Christ." While ministry has a sociopolitical context, however that is not its primary outreach, said the author. Thus Paul's theology of ministry is christocentrically focused and soteriologically aimed.