Rev. Dr. James G. Samra is the associate minister of research at Calvary Church in Grand Rapids, USA. He earned a doctor of philosophy in New Testament from Oxford University and a masters of theology from Dallas Theological Seminary.

• Chapter 1: introduction; 1.1 introduction 1; 1.2 choice and clarification of terminology; 1.3 the need for this study; 1.4 scope and type of study; 1.5 the individual and the group in Paul: an introductory issue; 1.6 overview and organization of the thesis. Chapter 2: heuristic studies: modern psychology, Qumran and the therapeutae 48; 2.1 introduction; 2.2 modern psychology; 2.3 the Qumran community; 2.4 the therapeutae; Chapter 3: the maturational aspect of Paul's apostolic commission; 3.1 introduction; 3.2 central passages for Paul's understanding of his mission; 3.3 further passages; 3.4 Moses as a model for Paul; 3.5 church and the maturational aspect of Paul's commission; 3.6 conclusion; Chapter 4: general considerations regarding maturity and maturation; 4.1 introduction; 4.2 marks of maturity; 4.3 Christ as the standard of maturity; 4.4 maturing as a process; 4.5 conclusion; Chapter 5: the central motif of maturity: conformity to the image of Christ; 5.1 introduction; 5.2 exegesis of texts; 5.3 analysis of the motif of conformity to the image of Christ; 5.4 conformity to Christ as central to Paul's theology and the central motif of maturity; 5.5 conclusion; Chapter 6: components of the maturation process; 6.1 introduction; 6.2 identifying with Christ; 6.3 enduring suffering; 6.4 experiencing the presence of god; 6.5 receiving and living out wisdom from god; 6.6 imitating a godly example; 6.7 conclusion; Chapter 7: the role of the local community in the maturation process; 7.1 introduction; 7.2 Paul's theological conception of church; 7.3 Paul's expectation for the local community: an examination of 1 Corinthians; 7.4 the local church and the components of the maturation process; 7.5 conclusion; Chapter 8: conclusions.

mention- The Chronicle of Higher Education/ October 13, 2006