AUTORITATEA LUI HRISTOS ÎN RELAŢIILE FAMILIALE ŞI SOCIALE CREŞTINE (COL 3, 18-4, 1)

Abstract

In this study we will analyze Colossians 3,18 – 4,1, trying to emphasize the specificity of the household code in relation to those belonging to the Greek-Roman world. One of the oldest lists, with familyrelated exhortations, belongs to Aristotle, who divides the defining relationships of the Household in three pairs: masters and slaves, husbands and wives, father and children, emphasizing the natural superiority of the master over the slave, the man (as husband and father) over the woman and child. The manner in which the St. Apostle Paul relates to the three relationships of Household Code is a hierarchical one and not egalitarian. The Apostle Paul does not propose to change the social structures of the Household, but only to present them in a Christological paradigm. The present study will subsequently be developed in other studies, on the three relational dimensions, in order to outline both the reception of the text of Col 3,18 – 4,1 in church life, throughout its history, and the relevance of this text, for assuming a Genuine Orthodox experience in contemporary society.

Keywords: Colossians, „ἐν κυρίῳ”, Household Code, wife, to submit, husbands, to love, children, to obey, parents, slave, master