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?
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?
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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).
Problem: Some Lordship theologians argue that those in a lifestyle of sin will not go to heaven. This is the case?
Problem: According to the niv, 1 Corinthians 6:9 speaks only against “homosexual offenders,” not against homosexuality as such. That is, the passage only condemns offensive homosexual acts, but it is not against homosexual activity per se. Was Paul against homosexual behavior or only offensive homosexual behavior?
Problem: Paul told the Corinthians that “neither fornicators … nor homosexuals … will inherit the kingdom of God” (6:9–10). But in the same book he admitted that he was only giving his private “opinion” (1 Cor. 7:25, nasb). In fact, Paul admitted, “I have no commandment from the Lord” (v. 25), and “I [say this], not the Lord” (v. 10). Was not this, by his own confession, merely Paul’s own nonbinding opinion on this issue?
Problem: The Bible asserts that God is the judge of the world (Ps. 96:13; Acts 17:31; Rev. 20:11–15), including evil angels (2 Peter 2:4; Rev. 12:9). Why, then, does Paul affirm that Christians will be the judges of the world and angels?
Problem: Paul refers to a previous epistle he “wrote” to the Corinthians which is not in existence. But since it was written by an apostle to a church and contained spiritual and authoritative instruction, it must be considered inspired. This raises the question as to how an epistle inspired of God could be allowed by Him to be lost.
Problem: Paul writes, “I have decided to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus” (1 Cor. 5:5). Elsewhere, Paul writes, “Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme” (1 Tim. 1:20). What does Paul mean by this expression?
Problem: Some Christians interpret this passage to refer to excommunication. When a believer is removed from fellowship, they are sent to hell with Satan (v.5). Does a Christian community have the authority to cut someone off from salvation in this way?
Problem: Paul asks, “Shall I come to you with a rod?” Did Paul really intend to beat the Christians in Corinth with a baseball bat?
Problem: Paul uses the term “scum” (Greek perikatharma) and “refuse” (Greek peripsema). In the original Greek, these words were fairly profane. Blomberg writes, “The words translated here as ‘scum’ and ‘refuse’ are fairly vulgar in the original Greek; their closest English equivalents would offend so many people that modern translations use euphemistic language like this instead!”[1] Did Paul cuss here?
Problem: Here, Paul says that we should not pass judgment. Does this mean it is self-righteous to judge others?
Problem: In 1 Corinthians 3:19 the Apostle Paul quotes from the Book of Job a statement made by one of Job’s friends Eliphaz which says, “For it is written, `He catches the wise in their own craftiness’ ” (cf. Job 5:13). Yet later in Job, God says to Eliphaz, “My wrath is aroused against you and your two friends, for you have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has” (Job 42:7). If what Eliphaz spoke was not right, then can his words be considered inspired?
Problem: Some Christians will use this passage to denounce cigarette smoking. Paul writes, “If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are” (1 Cor. 3:17). Will God destroy someone for polluting their body with cigarettes? Continue reading →