This is one of the most significant books I have ever read.
It represents the author's doctoral dissertation at the University of Tübingen (Germany), written under the direction of Otto Michel and Ernst Käsemann. Nobody today knows those names. But when I was in seminary, those names were famous among New Testament scholars. And Tübingen was considered one of the centers of New Testament studies.
Jewett's dissertation was published in 1971 by Brill. Nine years later, I began my own doctoral studies in Europe. I had applied to and had been accepted by two universities -- the University of Tübingen, where I would study under Peter Beyerhaus, and the University of Basel, where I would study under Bo Reicke. I ended up at the latter. But it was Robert Jewett's Tübingen dissertation that excited me about doctoral studies as no other book had done before that. Modeling my own work to a degree on Jewett's exemplar, I ended up writing my own dissertation at Basel under the title Paul, Apostle of Weakness.
One of Jewett's chapters deals with Paul's concept of sōma -- "body." For Paul, the body is not merely a physical shell but is imbued with theological significance. It represents our whole person in relation to God. Paul introduces the idea that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. This highlights both its importance and its sanctity in the life of the believer. The body is a sacred space imbued by the Holy Spirit of God. This teaching has implications far beyond moral conduct. It includes issues of diet and self-control. Recognition of the body's importance has implications for both spiritual and physical well being. Paul encourages believers to see their physical existence as integral to their spiritual identity and mission in life.
When I began writing my own dissertation, I found the work of Jewett to be a singular exemplar of all such writing. In the New Testament, Christians are encouraged to take care of their bodies because they are viewed as temples of the Holy Spirit. Our bodies were purchased by God through Christ, and stewardship of this gift allows us to honor him. Our bodies belong to him, but we are their stewards, their managers. Maintaining our health is a way of showing our gratitude to God for the salvation we've already received from him. That's why we are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice to God, which is defined as a form of spiritual worship.
Christian, take care of your body! God has created us body and soul. ALL of our lives belong under his Lordship. We should honor God in each and every aspect of our lives, including the way we take care of our bodies. Lord willing, these arms will get me up the Mettelhorn in the alps this summer.
These shoulders will allow me to paddle out at Waikiki.
These calves will allow me to run this weekend's 50K.
Friend, why not stop making an exception for self-control in the area of your physical health and fitness? You do not exercise or take time to prepare healthy meals because this takes self-discipline and self-control. However, with the aid of the Holy Spirit who dwells in you, God has given you the gift of discipline and self-control. This means that you should:
- Practice healthy eating habits.
- Exercise regularly to keep the temple in the best shape possible.
- Refrain from putting harmful substances into your body.
- Turn to Christ every day for the encouragement you need.
What you do with your body is important to God -- and to others. Ask him to make you a blessing to those you meet, pointing them to Jesus as you have the opportunity. Make your health and fitness a testimony of your relationship to Christ for others to see!