Place as Identity in the Corinthian Ekklēsia
摘要
Throughout his correspondence, Paul identifies two main groups: insiders and outsiders. The Kingdom of God is a boundary which separates insiders from outsiders, and once one has crossed that boundary, a believer is in Christ, and Christ is in them. Insiders are “ekklēsia” which means they are meant to assemble; they are God’s field, God’s building, and God’s temple, places where God works on them, in them, and through them. Finally, they are Body of Christ, many parts that are meant to work in a wholistic fashion. What they are not are outsiders. Outsiders are unbelievers who are ignorant of the ways of the believing community.