Yes,....first called at a particular place and time, among those of that gentile community, yet we would note what the original early Jewish followers of Jesus were called those of 'The Way', and also identified in various sorts as Nazarenes (spelling may vary), Ebionites, etc. We also note commonalities and links with the Essenes, and later Gnostic movements.
This reflects back to Paul's statement of we beholding the glory of the Lord as looking into a mirror
- as children of light, we all partake of one original light and reflect its image, archetyped as the
Adam-Kadmon. Christ in us, the hope of glory. We are naturally like him, if we be sharers of the divine nature, because that nature is of one essence, indivisible,....yet individually expressing thru every 'soul' or 'cell' within his spiritual body. I find it peculiar that so many fundies dis and attack pagan/mystery religion concepts, when Paul is rife with them, and adapts(adopts) their various themes in his own gospel.
Research portal on Paul
here.
In light of people here or anywhere claiming to be 'christians', I'm mindful of the 'connotations' associated with the 'term', especially if some of these 'christians' are bearing fruit that is far from 'Christ-like' in virtue, kindness, grace, compassion, and the love that the Jesus of the gospel extends and embodies as an avatar of divine love. It would seem some cherry-pick on some aspect of rebuke, and deem it divinely sanctioned or approved, when its really used by a religious ego to insult, harm and demean others. - that's its supposedly done in the name of 'love' is repugnant.
The analogy Paul gives is wonderful, since he was a 'gnostic' and held the power of personal revelation as key, an experiential knowledge of God not only by 'faith' but by 'gnosis'.
God who is Light is reflecting Himself, since He is indivisible Light itself. That light is mirrored in us, in substance, image and form. Because God is light, we are light.
pj
