Paul, even when he was noted as believing in Messiah, was allowed to engage conversation within the Synagogue. This would not be allowed for an apostate.
Terry wrote:
Should we not keep in mind that Paul's stated desire was to be all things to all people that he might win some to Christ?
I don't think this truth about Paul's desire is contrary to Slade's point in any way. Slade's point is that Paul was allowed to share in synagogues because of his standing as a rabbi of the Pharisee sect. I'm sure his being a student of Gamaliel was impressive to them and caused them to desire to hear him share with them.
Slade's point is that those of the synagogue accepted Paul as a Pharisee, although many of them became disagreeable with him after his challenge to them to believe that Yeshua is the Messiah. Now being disagreeable with him is not the same thing as considering him "apostate." Keep in mind that Paul being a circumcised Benjamite was much more important to the Jewish mindset than whether or not he believed in angels or the resurrection of the dead. We have to be careful not to project our culture into the culture in which Paul lived.
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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