Journal of Philosophy and Theology

Ephesians 4:1-16: Paul’s Cosmic Ideology for Global Leadership
Brian Ruffner

Abstract
Paul’s formative experiences as a “Hebrew of Hebrews” and yet as “one untimely born” into the Christian community dramatically shaped his ideological outlook. As reflected in his eminent treatise on Christian unity within Ephesians 4:1-16, this seemingly providential combination of ideological perspectives led him to overcome the perpetual challenge of integrating the universal and particular into a coherent worldview and, subsequently, formulate an unconventional relational-leadership ethic as the church spread rapidly across the eastern Mediterranean and Asia Minor. Most importantly, Paul’s ideological stance, in light of evident Trinitarian realities, as well as Christ’s cosmic exaltation and subsequent bestowal of myriad gifting upon the church, dictated reconciliation of the one with the many, resulting in an uncompromising position on Christian unity while affording paradoxical consideration for diversity as well. Applying the corresponding principles derived from unity in diversity to the organizational landscape, Paul’s ancient yet undeniably eloquent appeal to the Ephesian churches has reverberated through the corridor of time and, subsequently, resulted in nothing less than cosmic ideology for the practice of global leadership in the modern context.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/ijpt.v4n2a1