Leviathan · Character

St. Paul

The apostle whose Greek — peculium, a people set apart by covenant — Hobbes mines to prove God's kingdom is a commonwealth founded on consent.

supporting

Also known as Paul

First appearance: part i of man

See St. Paul in part i of man Book page

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Hobbes leans on Paul's letter to Titus to argue that Israel was God's "peculiar" people not by power alone but by their own covenant, making the kingdom of God a political institution rather than a mystical one. Paul also supplies the proof-text that the Church is a congregation called forth by lawful authority, not a hierarchy ruling over it. For Hobbes, Paul is less a theologian of grace than a witness to the contractual logic of sovereignty.

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See St. Paul in part i of man

Character Web

32 connections

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Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Biblical and religious leaders
Protagonist
Historical and theological exemplars
Early Christian and adversarial figures

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it reveals the sovereign's right to punish is not a gift from subj…

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Relationships

Jesus Christ
professional · positive
Jesus Christ
professional · positive

Relationship notes

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See St. Paul in part i of man

In the story

St. Paul appears across 8 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

XX: Of Dominion Paternal, and Despotical
Quoted for his commands that servants obey masters and children obey parents in all things, supporting simple obedience.
Of Systems Subject, Political, and Private
Mentioned in the context of the unlawful tumult at Ephesus, where Demetrius and others brought Paul's companions before the magistrate.
Part III: Of a Christian Commonwealth
Referenced for his epistles that address obedience to civil authorities and the role of conscience.
Of the Principles of Christian Politics
Quoted from Galatians 1:8, declaring that even if he or an angel preach another gospel, let him be accursed, which Hobbes interprets as preaching against the power of the king.
Of the Signification in Scripture of Kingdom of God, of Holy, Sacred, and Sacrament
Paul is cited as confirming that Abraham is the father of the faithful and that the covenant makes believers a peculiar people.
XXXVIII: Of the Signification in Scripture of Eternal Life, Hell, Salvation, the World to Come, and Redemption
Paul's epistles (Romans 5:18-19, 1 Corinthians 15:21-22) are cited to compare Adam's offense with Christ's righteousness.
XLIII: Of What Is Necessary for a Man’s Reception Into the Kingdom of Heaven
Cited for the principle that a teacher who builds on the foundation with hay or stubble shall be saved; also noted as having withstood St. Peter.
Part IV: Of the Kingdom of Darkness
Cited for his teachings on spiritual darkness and the kingdom of God.

Chapter companion notes

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See St. Paul in part i of man