Moral Formation according to Paul. The context and coherence of Pauline ethics, J.W. Thompson

Thompson sees Paul's task as a missionary and planter of churches not only to make converts, but to re-socialise them and to provide them with a common ethos and shared practices. Paul writes to reaffirm previous teaching and to confront those who have relapsed into various practices. He had a coherent vision of the formation of his converts, but did not offer a comprehensive ethical guide. His instructions, though, indicate the most important aspects of moral conduct, and established traditions that were normative in all of his churches (cf. 1 Cor 11:16).