The Apostle Paul.....

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Permalink Reply by Eden Exile on May 27, 2009 at 5:44pm

Speaking just for myself, I think we need to keep in mind cultural and historical differences - some of what Paul is trying to communicate can come across rather badly if given a literal translation.

I love paul and his writings but I keep in mind that our world is different to the world he taught and travelled in.

Sometimes it can help to read some different translations.

Cheerio
Jon

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Permalink Reply by deedee310 on May 27, 2009 at 6:18pm

Very good insight! I love his letters in the new testament. I'm just a person who is very analytical and I have a tendency to pick things apart instead of just taking them at face value and going on (smile). I guess that trait can be good and bad depending on the circumstance.
I just have so many questions regarding religion, God and the bible... I can't help myself but to ask them sometimes!
Cheers to you as well

Dee

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Permalink Reply by Theresa on May 27, 2009 at 8:58pm

Deedee,
I think it is a good thing to ask questions.This is a sign of an intelligent, godly woman that loves the Lord more than our minds understand.
What helped me a lot, when I see something I do not understand or sounds confusing in the bible, is that I open my mouth and tell God He is faithful and good and His word is true and I am here to love Him no matter what, I end it there till God with His grace shows me what is the explanation for what I am reading.
Love and blessings are yours in Christ my friend!

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Permalink Reply by Leonard T on May 27, 2009 at 8:02pm

Dee,

Here is what Peter says about some of Paul's writings:

2PE 3:14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 15 Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. 16 He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. NIV

Lord Bless,
LT

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Permalink Reply by Mary O on May 27, 2009 at 11:18pm

Hi DeeDee!

We have to consider who the book is written to. Not all books of the bible are written directly for us. That doesn't mean we ignore half the bible, but some of it is for our learning.

It helps to consider the context. Sometimes we can read a verse, and it makes perfect sense on its' own. But if the verse does not make sense on its own, we may have to look at the surrounding verses. Make sure we've got the complete thought.

We also have to think about what kind of book it is, what's the message. Romans and Ephesians set out doctrine. However, 1&2 Corinthians and Galatians offer correction. What does the word do for us? It offers doctrine, reproof and correction.

It's a good idea to think about the culture and customs of the times. Ephesians 6 "put on the whole armor of God" comes alive when we consider the Roman soldier's armor. It was the most advanced armor of it's time.

I like to use my bible dictionary and atlas.

The bible is loaded with figures of speech. Acts 20:29 says that after Paul left, grievous wolves would enter in among them. It's calling certain people grievous wolves. We can consider wolves and gain in-depth understanding about the grievous wolves that would enter into the flock and feed upon the flock.

I think God wants us to dig deeper into the word. You just never know what precious gem you're going to find.

God bless!
Mary O.

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Permalink Reply by Rev. Dr. Michael Dickson on July 12, 2009 at 9:55pm

Howdy Deedee310!

The first point to make about the Apostle Paul is he was the only Apostle sent to the Gentiles by Christ Himself. Acts 22:21. With this information in mind, God uses Paul to teach the Gentiles the Gospel of Grace, Ephesians 2:8-9, and what the role of the Christian Church is today in the Spiritual Kingdom of God here on earth, 2 Corinthians 5:18 and Romans 11:11. All of us as members of the Glorious Church of Jesus Christ, Ephesians 5:27, have the Ministry of Reconciliation.

So, With this information in front of us, What specific question do you have regarding the Teachings of the Apostle Paul?

Rev. Dr. Mike

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