Dear Jane:
There is only one point that I feel that I must respectfully comment on. You seem to suggest that the Bible has a certain hierarchy in that certain passages take precedence over others. In particular, you seem to say that the words of Jesus are more authoritative than the words of Paul which are recorded in the Bible. I must respectfully disagree. The entire Bible was inspired by the Holy Spirit and, therefore, Jesus' words have the same source as other passages in the Bible, including those words which were written by the hand of Paul (except, of course, where Paul specifically disclaimed inspiration by the Holy Spirit, cf., Galatians 5:2). Therefore, Jesus' words do deserve immeasurable respect, but so do the other words in the Bible. What Paul wrote was inspired by the same source as were the words of Jesus. To believe otherwise would allow people to pick and choose among Bible passages depending on the author (and perhaps one's personal predisposition). I don't believe that is the proper way to read the Bible. While I know the following passage was written by the hand of Paul, I submit it for the well-recognized proposition that all scripture was inspired by the Holy Spirit and must be given equal weight:
2 Tim 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
(NIV)
Respectfully and in Christ, Tom |
