One of the emerging shifts in the field of mission studies is the need to re-imagine global missiology in the light of societal and public shifts. There are several ongoing conversations about different ways missiology needs re-imagining but one that is crucial for our current context is the need to interrogate the proximity of mission to power. Jesus and his followers were on the other side of power as they lived under Roman imperial colonisation and this living on the margins of an out-post of an empire continued into the patristic period (early church history with Church Fathers) for many Christians. But the enthronement of Constantine as emperor of Rome (reigned AD 306-337) led to what I am describing as a Constantinian shift that had the implications of Jesus’ followers now on the side of power and colonisation. What is the impact of this Constantinian shift on the history of mission and what can we learn from Jesus’ kenotic living that prophetically challenges colonisation and religious nationalism? In this essay titled, Why did Jesus speak Aramaic? A Biblical Theology for a Decolonised Mission, I reflect on some of these issues proposing five marks of mission decolonised, that is, a suggestion of five critical things that Jesus embodied to interrogate power.

Review/Response

Thank you Rev Dr Olofinjana for your insightful article, “Why did Jesus speak Aramaic? A Biblical Theology for a Decolonised Mission.” Your exploration of Jesus’ linguistic choices as a model for decolonizing mission offers a profound perspective on how language and culture intersect with theology and praxis.

Your analysis of the Constantinian shift and its impact on the church’s alignment with imperial power is particularly compelling. By highlighting Jesus’ intentional identification with the marginalized through his use of Aramaic, you challenge us to reconsider the power dynamics inherent in our mission practices.

The five marks of a decolonized mission you propose—emphasizing humility, solidarity, and justice—provide a valuable framework for contemporary mission work. They remind us that true mission aligns with the lived experiences of the oppressed and seeks to embody the servant-heartedness of Christ.

As we reflect on these themes, your article serves as a timely call to re-examine our missional approaches, ensuring they are rooted in the liberative and inclusive message of the Gospel.

Thank you for contributing this important perspective to the ongoing conversation on mission and decolonization.

Warm regards,

Pastor Emmanuel Eze

Why did Jesus Speak Aramaic? “Very helpful reframing of the decolonisation issue in the context of the church, Kingdom of God and mission from a biblical perspective.”

Rev Alex Afriyie (President Elect of Baptist Union of Great Britain)