Sharing in Christ’s Rule: Tracing a Debate in Earliest Christianity

Abstract

This article traces some major issues concerning a debate among the first Christians as to who will share in Christ’s rule in the [ILLEGIBLE]. In Mt. 19.28—a logion that probably goes back to the historical Jesus—the Twelve are unconditionally appointed as eschatological rulers. After Easter, due to the influence of the passio-iusti tradition (cf. Wis. 3-5), ruling with Christ came to be understood, among some Christian groups, as a reward for martyrs (Rev. 20.4-6; 22.5; Lk. 22.28; 2 Tim. 2.12a; critical of this view is Mk 10.35-45). Paul, by contrast, characterizes eschatological rule as a gift for all who are baptized. In Romans, eschatological life and eschatological reign are blended together (Rom. 5.17) and linked with Paul’s participationist understanding of baptism (Rom. 6.1-4). Ephesians further develops this idea (1.23; 2.6). Thus there is in early Christianity a diversity of views, and some controversy, concerning the hope of sharing in Christ’s rule.