John wrote:
Here are some questions I am considering: Why is Paul's theology presented only is personal letters --- a style of presentation not found in First Testament scripture.
I think the primary answer to this lies in the admonition of Jesus to his disciples, that they teach all nations (Mat. 28:19). These letters are an expression of that teaching and shepherding ministry. We get a look into the example of his life through these letters.
Unlike the Hebrew prophets of the Hebrew Scriptures, the New Testament apostles and prophets were heralds of Christ's life changing message. They were not just delivering a message. They were changing lives. Also, they were not just teaching, but shepherding the people. Most of this was done directly, vocally, but Paul's education was such that he gave himself also to writing, which was God's plan so that we would benefit from what he wrote.
John wrote:
Why is it not systematic in nature?
None of the Scriptures were systematic. Modern Theologians try to be systematic, but all they are doing is studying and analyzing those who appear to have successfully accomplished God's will. In Jesus day, they did this too. That's what the scribes were. But ultimately, the ones who "get it" are not the scholars (although their analysis is helpful), but rather those who actually do the will of God.
We need to accept that God's will is to present his message in ambiguous terms, in a mystery, so that only those who actually do his will and receive his Spirit will know his doctrine (and I use "know" in its experiential sense). The fact that Jesus always spoke in parables and not openly is one testimony to this understanding. And Paul said he only spoke the wisdom of God among those who are perfect.
John wrote:
And ---- why does no NT writer quote Jesus in support of his individual theologies and admonitions. I would expect to find something to the effect of ---- "Jesus while on this earth, presented to us the very advice I am giving to you now. It is He who is the author and finisher of our faith -- my words are only a mirror of His earthly and present ministry." Seems reasonable to expect such wording. Not there at all.
Actually, you are overstating the case a little when you say, "not there at all." For example, Paul said, "I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you..." (1 Cor. 11:23). He then goes on to quote Jesus, "take, eat, this is my body which is broken for you" etc. Paul also quotes the words of Jesus when relating his vision that he received on the road to Damascus (e.g., Acts 22, 26). In Acts 23:11, Luke reports words of the Lord Jesus spoken to Paul. In Acts 20:35, Paul quotes Jesus in his argumentation to the elders of the church of Ephesus, "it is more blessed to give than to receive." And we could continue with more.
I think what you are recognizing here is that Paul and others incorporated the teachings of Christ into their lives, so that what they said and did were in fact the same as what the Lord did. Rather than being like the scribes and scholars of their day who reported second hand what was true and right, they lived it and represented it in person. They themselves became first hand testimony to the Word of God.
God's desire is that we know the Living Word more than the Written Word. Relationship rather than head knowledge is what is important to God, and the lack of a systematic Bible and crystal clear instructions put men into a position to have to embrace the Living Word or be stuck with debatable theories and disagreements concerning the knowledge of God.
Peace be with you. David Miller.
---------- "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
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