Abstract:
In this article a study is made of the concept ‘oikodome’ and its derivatives in the New
Testament and early Christianity. Hence, in this essay the focus is limited to the use of the
term οἰκοδομέω/οἰκοδομὴ(ν) in the New Testament, and briefly turns to inspiring trajectories
in early Christianity. A detailed focus on the term(s) reveals the complexity of the matter in
the different Biblical contexts with its multi-layered dimensions of meaning. Subsequently,
attention is turned to a study of 1 Thessalonians, followed up with a discussion of the
trajectories of other-regard and radical self-giving love in the early Church as witnessed by
insiders and outsiders in antiquity.
Description:
This article represents
a theological reflection
on the Faculty Research
Theme (FRT) of the Faculty
of Theology, University of
Pretoria, entitled ‘Ecodomy –
Life in its fullness’. The
theme is portrayed from
the perspective of various
theological disciplines. A
conference on this theme
was held on 27–28 October
2014.
