The Theme of the Imitation of Christ in Paul's Letter to the Philippians

Author

Dennis Stein, College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University

Date of Award

1-1998

Document Type

Graduate Paper

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Systematic Theology

Department

School of Theology and Seminary

First Advisor

Luke Steiner OSB

Subject Categories

Biblical Studies | Christianity | Religion

Abstract

This paper deals with the topic of the "imitation of Christ" within Paul's writing to the Church at Philippi. In doing so, it by no means exhausts what can be said about this rich theme, but rather attempts to point out its importance for Paul. Like the rest of Paul's letters, Philippians has been the subject of a vast number of studies throughout Christian history and it is not possible here to survey the vast amount of literature that exists on it. Clearly, however, Paul makes the following of Christ a central theme of the epistle, and his exhortation to the Church proceeds out of a deep reflection on what it means to pattern the Christian existence on the suffering life of Christ. Looking at Paul's expression of this theme is the primary focus of this paper, although some space is also given to general information and historical commentary.

Comments

Access restricted to College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University on-campus users.

Recommended Citation

Stein, Dennis, "The Theme of the Imitation of Christ in Paul's Letter to the Philippians" (1998). School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses. 1558.
https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/sot_papers/1558