Bernabe C. Pagara, College of Theology, Central Philippine
University, Jaro, Iloilo City, Philippines.
E-mail:
bernabepagara@yahoo.com
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Abstract
The Implications of the Pauline Theology of Ptochos and
Ptocheia to the Contemporary Understanding of Poor and Poverty
The research problem is, what are the implications of Paul’s theology of ptochos
and ptocheia in the Pauline literature to the contemporary perceptions of poor
and poverty?
The first sub-problem is, what is the Pauline theology of ptochos and ptocheia?
The first hypothesis suggested that the term ptochos refers to the economically
poor rather than as a religious term. Paul used the term to refer to those who
in some serious situation lacked the basic necessities to sustain life. Whereas,
ptocheia is the term used in a material sense of those who were poverty-stricken
which expresses their state of being destitute.
In the exegesis, by ptochos Paul means the poor believers in Jerusalem Church
who were in economic need and this need was met by his collection from the
Gentile churches. But, at the same time, he recognizes them as the physically
poor, the marginalized and the weak in the society whether Jews or Gentiles. The
term ptocheia suggests the “extreme” or beggarly condition of the poor
Christians in Jerusalem. In Paul’s time, ptocheia was caused by a widespread
oppression, natural calamities, relief of more and more widows, over-population,
experimentation of economic sharing, unequal distribution of wealth and
possessions, religious ill-will, social and political persecution, societal
polarization and high taxation. Paul’s understanding of ptochos and ptocheia is
related to his ministry as an apostle, hence care and concern for the poor are
important to his office. Paul used the Christological model (2 Cor. 8:9) as the
doctrinal basis and example of all Christian giving! . H e responded to help
alleviate the plight and suffering of the poor by organizing a fund campaign
project.
The second sub-problem is, what are the implications of the Pauline theology of
ptochos and ptocheia to the contemporary perceptions of poor and poverty. The
second hypothesis stated that the following are the implications of Paul’s
theology of ptochos and ptocheia to the contemporary understanding of poor and
poverty, namely: biblical-theological, ethical-economical, socio-political,
contextual-situational, and practical-incarnational.
The integration, therefore, reveals that there is a strong positive relationship
between Paul’s theology of ptochos and ptocheia and the current perceptions of
poor and poverty. The researcher henceforth established the following
theological and practical implications, which are important and significant to
the mission and ministry of the churches. They are as follows:
1. There is a need for the churches to be models and catalysts for transformed
relationships.
2. There is a need for a mutual interdependence of the member-churches.
3. There is a need for the denomination’s theological institutions to
incorporate social ministry in their respective programs.
4. There is a need for the denomination to recognize social ministry as a viable
tool for mission, evangelism, and discipleship.
5. There is a need to re-educate the churches towards the validity and
appropriateness of social ministry.
6. There is a need to offer financial assistance for the poor churches.
7. There is a need to biblically practice stewardship in the churches.
8. There is a need to create different training programs and seminars for
jobless Church members.