alevin
Well-known member
You are not the first to question Paul's role and writings, and you probably won't be the last, Fab. all the more reason to continue studying the Bible as a whole with a teachable mindset. Have you considered what Peter had to say on the subject? Peter had an attitude adjustment curve about Paul's place too if you trace the development of their relationship through the NT.
Peter eventually had this to say..."our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him...His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, that ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other scriptures, to their own destruction." (2 Peter 3: 15-16). Peter ultimately acknowledged Paul's legitimacy and his writings as authoritative for believers. That's how they ended up in the NT. As far as the "people" he was referring to-read the rest of the letter for context, as in all other study of scripture, historical context matters as Rod said.
If the word destruction bothers you, consider people who smoke, even after it starts affecting their health, despite all the written warnings, until their disregard and refusal to believe the truth about the dangers of tobacco use ends up destroying them. Nobody else did it to them.
Headed out of town for a couple days, will be away from keyboard. Much to do yet before heading out, so signing off for now. Peace, brother.
