Paul and the Imperial Authorities at Thessalonica and Rome

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The book delves into the ideological clash between Paul's eschatological gospel and the Julio-Claudian imperial ideology, particularly in 1 and 2 Thessalonians and Romans. It highlights how Paul's message of Christ's reign opposed the Roman rulers' claims of eternal authority, using a variety of evidence to illustrate the cultural context of the time. By elevating the Body of Christ above the Roman state, Paul redefined social hierarchies and challenged Roman values, emphasizing a transformative vision of God's new creation through the Spirit.