The Paradox of the Cross in the Thought of St Paul

This book has its starting point in the paradoxical descriptions Paul often gives of his own ministry. Why does he seem impelled to use paradox? And why do these depictions of his ministry seem so close to his language about the atoning work of Christ? In answering these questions Professor Hanson argues that Paul has largely transferred to the apostolic ministers the character of the citizens of the kingdom which he knew from his acquaintance with the teaching of Jesus. In an important extension to the main argument, Professor Hanson examines how the theme of the paradox of the cross fared at the hands of Paul's immediate successors up to the time of Ignatius of Antioch, and asks how far Paul's depiction of the apostolic ministry can throw light on questions of ministry today.