Original scientific paper

Priesthood of all believers: Social aspect of the power fi ght in early Christian church

Igor Lorencin ; Adriatic Union College, Maruševec 82, 42243 Maruševec, Croatia

Abstract

Th is article deals with the question of the priesthood of all believers, as exemplifi ed in the church confl ict presented in the Th ird Epistle of John. Th e writer of the epistle describes social dynamics of the struggle for power in the church community he writes to. In this epistle two models of behavior that dominate the life of the church are presented, namely, hospitality and patronage. Hospitality as a horizontal model is recommended for the structuring of the relations inside the church community, while patronage as a vertical model is presented in a very negative light. Th e concept of the priesthood of
all believers calls for horizontal models. Hospitality as horizontal and reciprocal relationship of equals brings a positive spirit in the church community, while it contributes to its advancement and prosperity. Th at is why a Christian is called to embrace hospitality as his lifestyle.

Keywords

Th ird-John; hospitality; patronage

Hrčak ID:

113728

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/113728

Publication date:

30.11.2012.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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