I think one of the most exciting things to read about Paul's eschatology was his love for the church. Paul did not go around planting orphanages, homeless shelters, or food kitchens. He saw the mission of the gospel beginning and ending with the church, it's health, and it's multiplication. My heart burns with passion for this focus Paul shares. As I look out over the masses of people who've yet to know Christ here in South Asia, I know that only a healthy church can radically change the many social and humanitarian needs they are overwhelmed with. That's why I find great joy in partnering with Christ through the gospel to plant His church. I have a great burden as well that generations coming up in our western culture will love the church as Christ does.
My Reaction:
Yes, the Jewish people and later the Christian people felt very involved personally in Jesus and other Jews/Christians. It was like the Latin American / Spanish celebrating El Dia de Los Muertos or how they function constantly. Imagine Jesus was your race and the fellow followers like a part of your immediate or extended family. It's not like that today, but that's probably how they got by.