An Exploration of the Apostle Paul

December 3, 2025

An Exploration of the Apostle Paul’s Influential Power Behaviors Juxtaposed to Destructive Leadership Theory and Weberian Charismatic Attributes: A sociorhetorical Interpretation of Philemon

Angel Denise Newton | 2018

Abstract

This qualitative study investigated the differences between apostle Paul’s charismatic behavior in Philemon compared to those of destructive leadership theory (DLT) and Weberian charisma. While leadership is mostly a positive phenomenon, the potential for exposure to nonconstructive leadership exists. DLT includes Weberian charismatic phenomena seen as nonconstructive behavior. Both charismatic and destructive leaders, unlike other leadership styles, need a strong influential relationship, positive or negative, between the leader and followers. Philemon is rich for the exploration of Paul’s use of power because it is the only remaining intimate epistle and is replete with rhetoric related to his use of power. Few studies have explored how Paul’s use of power contribute to the discussion of a unique understanding of charismatic behavior in church leadership. Sociorhetorical interpretation, a multifaceted tool, was used to explore the text in Philemon. Sociorhetorical interpretation of Philemon provide insights differentiating the use of charismatic power in Christian contexts from DLT and Weber. First, Paul’s use of power in Philemon makes clear that power is multilateral and shared. It flows from God and is realized between the leader and followers. Second and consequently, this sharing of power aims to align all participants with Christian morals and values. Therefore, Pauline charisma can be recognized by behavior conforming to Christ (deity)—rooted in love and absent from nonconstructive attributes. Abusive behavior is antithetical to the Pauline use of power in Philemon.

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