Slade wrote: > Explain why Paul uses the term, "I SAY, > AND NOT THE LORD."
Sometimes the Lord may direct apostles and prophets to command certain things. When the apostles and prophets are so directed, they speak in the name of the Lord, often saying, "Thus says the Lord" or "The Lord commands..." Apostles and prophets also may be teachers of things in which they have been faithful. It is important that they separate that which the Lord commands them (such as in a vision) from that which they have discovered to be right through experience as a faithful servant. This is why Paul says, "I say, and not the Lord." He is inviting the brethren to judge his perspective, because it is likely to be slanted from a certain perspective, according to his particular calling. This does not mean that he thinks what he is saying is unimportant, nor is he saying to ignore or dismiss what he is saying. He is simply making a distinction between that which the Lord himself commanded to be instructed and that which he learned through study and experience. Note that when Paul uses the phrase "I say," this does not always mean that what follows is not from human sources. Sometimes it is just a matter of expression. And with regards to 2 Cor. 5:8, the phrase "I say" was not from Paul, but supplied by the translators for readability. In the Greek, it literally reads, "We are confident then and are pleased rather to leave home out from our body and to be at home with the Lord." Peace be with you. David Miller, Beverly Hills, Florida. ---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.
