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. John responds: (capital letters is the only way I can identify my comments -- I AM NOT YELLING. IF THE AUTHORITATIVE APPEAL IS THE LIFE AND EXAMPLE OF THE LIVING CHRIST WITHIN (and I agree fully) -- WHY IS THAT NOT TRUE TODAY? (THINK "VERBAL AND PLENARY INSPIRATION OF THE BIBLICAL TEXT.) AND I AM ASKING ANYONE - NOT JUST DAVID. IT IS APPARENT TO ME THAT OFTEN, HERE ON TT, WE DO NOT GIVE ENOUGH HONOR TO THOSE WHO ARE TRULY SERVING JESUS -- INSISTING THAT WHAT WE THINK IS EVEN MORE IMPORTANT THAN WHAT WE attempt TO DO. 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. PAUL BELIEVED THAT WE WERE PERFECTED BY ANOTHER. BUT MORE TO THE POINT OF THIS RATHER UNUSUAL CONCLUSION -- THE BIBLE CANNOT BE UNDERSTOOD BY OTHERS THAN THOSE "INFILLED?" 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. SO MY QUESTION WAS WITHOUT MERIT? THE WRITERS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES DID NOT REFER THEIR THEOLOGY TO THE AUTHOR OF THE FAITH IN THE SAME WAY NOR TO THE SAME DEGREE WE MODERN DAY MINISTERS USE THE BIBLICAL TEXT. IS THERE A MESSAGE IN THERE FOR ANYONE AND, IF SO, WHAT IS IT? i DO AGREE THAT ONE'S EXAMPLE AS A TEACHER/EVANGELIST/PREACHER IS CRITICAL. IS THERE MORE TO A CONCLUSIVE ANSWER? 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. COULDN'T AGREE MORE - SO WHY THE RANKER WHEN ONE IS SEEN AS MISAPPLYING SCRIPTURE? oNE OF MY FAVORITE THEOLOGIANS IS BONHOFFER AND THE REASON I GIVE HIM SOME ATTENTION IS THAT HE WAS WILLING TO DIE FOR THE LORD AND DIE AS A SSERVANT. 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. HERE IS SOMETHING WELL STATED AND VERY MUCH THE FOUNDATIONAL BLOCK FOR THE CHRISTIAN "LIFESTYLE." ONE OUT OF TEN THEOLOGICAL ISSUES -- NOT BAD DAVID !! ESPECAILLY WHEN THIS ONE OVER-SHADOWS ALL THE OTHERS. a KEEPER. jOHN 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 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.
