Problem: Paul writes, “Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies” (1 Cor. 8:1). Should Christians pursue knowledge, or is this an “arrogant” thing to do?
25
Sep
2021
24
Sep
2021
1 Cor 7:14 – What does sanctified mean here?
Problem: Paul claims that non-believing people can be “sanctified.” What does he mean by this?
23
Sep
2021
1 Corinthians 7:12 – How can Paul’s words be inspired if he says he is merely giving his own opinion?
Problem: In two places in 1 Corinthians (7:12, 40), the Apostle Paul seems to imply that he is writing on his own authority, not the Lord’s. First, in 7:12 Paul says, “But to the rest I, not the Lord.” And in 7:40 he says “and I think I also have the Spirit of God” which seems to imply that Paul is not sure if he has the Holy Spirit. How can these verses be harmonized with the divine authority claimed by Paul in his epistles (cf. Gal 1:11–17; 2 Tim. 3:16–17)?
22
Sep
2021
1 Cor 7:10–16 – Does Paul contradict what Jesus said about divorce?
Problem: This passage from 1 Corinthians talks about a Christian who has an unbelieving mate. At one point, Paul says, “But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases” (v. 15). Jesus said in Matthew 5:32 and 19:8–9 that one can divorce a spouse only in the case of marital unfaithfulness. Does Paul advocate divorce or abandonment?
21
Sep
2021
1 Cor 7:10-12, 25 – Are these portions of Scripture not inspired?
Problem: Paul says that “all Scripture is God breathed” (2 Tim. 3:16). However, Paul says that this particular teaching on marriage is from him –not God (“I say, not the Lord…” v.12). Later, he says that he was giving his “opinion,” rather than God’s command (v.25). Are these portions of Scripture inspired or not?
20
Sep
2021
1 Cor 7:10-11 – Does Paul allow abandonment as permission for divorce and remarriage?
(7:10) “But to the married I give instructions, not I, but the Lord, that the wife should not leave her husband.” Paul may have had a copy of one of the gospels (1 Cor. 11:23-25), because he quotes from “the Lord” Jesus, who was against divorce (Mt. 19; Mk. 10).
(7:11) “But if she does leave, she must remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband…” Some understand this to refer to separation—not divorce. During a time of separation, a spouse can choose to move out. But Paul only gives two options: celibacy (“remain unmarried”) or reconciliation (“be reconciled”).
19
Sep
2021
1 Cor. 7:9 – Did Paul have a low view of marriage?
Problem: Paul writes, “It is better to marry than to burn with passion” (1 Cor. 7:9). This seems to imply that we should just marry to handle our sexual desires. Isn’t this a low view of marriage? Continue reading →
18
Sep
2021
1 Cor 7:8 – Is Paul against marriage?
Problem: Marriage is a gift from God, and Paul argued that men who deny marriage are from Satan (1 Tim. 4:1-4). However, here he writes, “It is good for them if they remain even as I” (1 Cor. 7:8). Was Paul speaking against marriage?
17
Sep
2021
1 Cor. 6:13 – Will we not have stomachs or food in heaven?
Problem: The Bible teaches a physical resurrection at the end of human history (Dan. 12:2; 1 Cor. 15:42-44) and a physical Earth (Rev. 21-22). However, Paul says the stomach will be done away with (1 Cor. 6:13). Will we have physical bodies in heaven or not?
Continue reading →
16
Sep
2021
1 Cor 6:13 – If God is going to destroy the body, then how can it be resurrected?
Problem: Paul said, “Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods; but God will destroy both it and them” (1 Cor. 6:13). On this basis, some argue that the resurrection body will not have the anatomy or physiology of the pre-resurrection body. On the other hand, Paul inferred that we would recognize our loved ones in heaven (1 Thes. 4:13–18).