How do you assess Paul’s work as a pastor, mediating disputes, encouraging and offering gratitude for reasonable support, expressing solidarity with his congregation?
Does Paul’s “theology of joy” make sense? Can joy be understood not only as a reactive emotion, but also a stance or virtue to be cultivated?
Can we learn anything about living a Christian life from Paul’s attention to “peace” as well as joy?
Since we do not share Paul’s apocalyptic hopes for an immediate return of Christ, can we share his vision for Christian life?