Problem: Roman Catholics appeal to this passage in support of the doctrine of temporary punishment for those not good enough to go directly to heaven. They point to the fact that it speaks of people who “suffer loss” when their works are “burned” by fire and yet they are eventually “saved” (1 Cor. 3:15). Does the Bible teach that there is a temporary hell (purgatory) where people suffer for their sins before they are let into heaven?
Problem: In this text, Paul insists that “no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” On the other hand, Paul told the Ephesians that the church is “built on the foundation of the apostles” (Eph. 2:20). Which is it?
Problem: Why does Paul cite this passage in Isaiah 40 to support our need for the Holy Spirit to have wisdom? Continue reading →
Problem: Some Reformed interpreters (specifically from a Van Tillian, presuppositional perspective) claim that non-Christians cannot be persuaded with evidence, because they simply refuse to accept God’s authority through Scripture. Does this passage support this claim?
Problem: Critics often argue that Paul quotes the OT out of context. Specifically, in this citation, we cannot find a clear OT citation for this passage—though Isaiah 64:4 and 65:16 are possible passages. What is Paul quoting from? And why does he cite this specific passage?
Problem: Is Paul referring to Pilate, Caiaphas, and Herod, when he mentions the “rulers of this age?” Or is he referring to demonic rulers?
Problem: Critics often accuse Paul of taking OT passages out of context. Is this the case?
Problem: Should we acquire wisdom or not? Context is vital here. Proverbs 4:7 is stating that a person, on the human level, needs to acquire wisdom. It is good to seek to be wise. Solomon is teaching his son, who is a believer in God and His word, to avoid foolishness and seek wisdom. Of course, true wisdom is acquired from God’s word.
Problem: Some fideistic and emergent interpreters argue that Christianity is “foolish” in the sense that it is irrational, illogical, and contradictory to empirical evidence. Is this the case?
Problem: Paul declares that Christ did not send him to baptize. Yet Christ commissioned His disciples to “make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 28:19). Does Paul contradict Christ?
Problem: Some Christian leaders disagree with personal discipleship, arguing that we are all disciples of Christ—not Christian leaders. To say that a human leader “discipled” us would be going against the spirit of this passage.
Problem: Sosthenes was also mentioned in the book of Acts, when Paul went to Corinth (Acts 18:17). Is this the same person?
Problem: Paul writes to a person who is “outstanding among the apostles” (Rom. 16:7). Of course, this does not refer to one of the apostles who could write Scripture like the Twelve or like Paul or James, but rather, someone who held the office of an apostle (i.e. a church planter and leader).
Scholars debate whether this name should be understood as Junia (feminine, see KJV, NRSV, NLT, TNIV, and REB) or Junias (masculine, see NIV, RSV, NASB, TEV, and NJB). Note that the TNIV renders the person as a female, while the NIV renders the person as a male! In Greek, the only difference between the engendering of the names is a simple accent mark. So, which is it? Is this a case of a female apostle (Junia) or a male apostle (Junias)?
Problem: Critical scholars hold that chapter 16 of Romans is a later interpolation on chapters 1-15. They make several observations:
Cyprian argues against heretics in his Book of Testimonies (AD 258). However, he doesn’t cite Romans 16:17 (“keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them”).
Problem: Is God a God of peace or of war or both? The Bible says different things about God in different contexts. Let’s take a look.