The Political Stance of Paul of Tarsus

Citizenship and Mission

Abstract

This article analyzes the political stance of the apostle Paul, with special attention to the categories of citizenship and mission, situating them within the broader framework of politics in the Bible and biblical theology. The central thesis argues that biblical politics—particularly in Paul—differs radically, in both method and content, from the political practices characteristic of modern states. To support this claim, the study develops three movements: (1) the importance of the theme of politics in the Old Testament, understood through the relationship between faith, power, and communal organization; (2) Jesus’ attitude toward the political and religious structures of his time; and (3) Paul’s political posture, marked by the tension between earthly citizenship and eschatological belonging, as well as by mission as an alternative public practice. The article engages classical exegetical and biblical-theological scholarship, as well as Latin American contributions, and concludes by highlighting the contemporary relevance of the theme for theology and Brazilian society.