Gonzalez, Eliezer2019-09-252019-09-252016-05-0620111908-4862http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12424/238391"Are we able to attribute a modem concept such as universalism (in the sense of the opposite to particularism) to Paul in the formation of his communities, or is such an idea hopelessly anachronistic? This paper suggests that although Paul's universalism does not fully conform to modem definitions, there is a universalistic dimension to his formation of the txthiaia that was radical within his own culture in both Jewish and Hellenistic terms. Nevertheless, there were some first-century social and philosophical currents that would have provided some implicit support for his application of universalistic principles. However, the roots of Paul's approach are to be found not so much in Hellenistic philosophical currents, but rather in his understanding of divine convenantal condescension. These considerations allow us some insights to understanding the status of different genders, ethnicities, and socio-economic classes in the Pauline communities."engCreative Commons Copyright (CC 2.5)Pauluniversalismparticularismdiversityequalityegalitarianismgenderethnicitysocial classCommunity ethicsSocial ethicsSexual orientation/genderBiblical TheologyNew TestamentDogmaticsArticle