Die Erwählung der Heiden und ihrer Apostel

Abstract

The following essay examines shortly, but in a concentrated way the term „election“, its semantic field and its synonyms in the New Testament. The entire New Testament resolves all doubt about Israel’s status as God’s chosen people. Yet the authors of the New Testament had to modify this concept of election. They endeavour to explain that the group of chosen people, who are called according to God’s purpose, consists of Israelites and gentiles. Particularly Paul, who characterises himself as the apostle of only the gentiles, tries to reinterpret this new situation, but also the future of Israel, in many of his letters. Therefore, the following chapter sharpens the view on Paul’s, but also on Peter’s mission among the heathens as told in Romans, Galatians or Acts. Finally, the essay concludes with some sociological implications regarding the election, which in the first instance strengthens the group’s identity and its assuredness of salvation.