Paul’s cruciform mission in Thessalonica: the shape of incarnational ministry

Abstract

Introduction: This paper is an attempt to perceive ways in which the apostle Paul embodied cruciformity in his mission at Thessalonica as recorded in 1 Thess. 2:1-12. In this passage, the critical task for Paul, is to clarify “the missionary task, its motivation, and method”.1 It is argued here that Paul puts into practice Jesus words in John 20: 21, "As the Father has sent me, so I send you." In John's narrative, the first part of the statement makes the second part possible. There is no doubt that Jesus “‘sending’ (pempō, present tense) of his followers was to be patterned on the fact that the Father ‘sent’ (apestalken, perfect tense) him”.2 The perfect tense instructs us that Jesus continues to be on the mission, as such, his disciples do not start a mission but continue a mission, which Jesus started.3 Obviously Jesus’ mission is none other than the mission of God (Missio Dei). The paper will then draw implications for the 21st Century church.