2 Corinthians--a Very Misunderstood Epistle

Many commentaries focus on Paul's defense of his ministry. Paul's main purposes have little to do with defending his ministry. The most common themes are: 1) reconciliation--between us and God, between fellow believers within the church, and between Paul and the Corinthians; 2) exhortation to ministry--Paul has been steadfast and uses his example to spur the Corinthians to look beyond their petty squabbles and reach out to the world, no matter how difficult it will be, because we have God and the rest of the world needs to be in relationship with Him. Be bold, be brave, get out of the pew!

Monday, September 9, 2024

Sometimes There are Too Many Questions

 Recently I was asked to sign the Nashville statement on biblical sexuality to connect with a ministry. It’s a document put forth by a lot of leading scholars.

I am uncertain about signing the Nashville statement. Article 1 and 8 seem to be in conflict. Plus, while this is the best scholarly understanding of sexuality, I’m curious if we’re focusing on a minor issue, infrequently addressed in scripture, with a strict reading…while Christ gave a more nuanced understanding of a major and explicit commandment regarding the Sabbath…and one in which the 1st century church felt okay about changing which day was “sabbath.” If we applied the same hermeneutics used with the Sabbath, Sabbath Year(s) and Jubilee Years—which we seem to be “okay” ignoring in the modern world—would we come to the same conclusions regarding sexuality? Similarly, He did not punish (or perhaps even condemn) a woman caught in adultery which explicitly is punishable. Nor was Cain punished according to the Law.

So if we can understand some greater principles, what position would we be taking on sexuality?



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