On Thu, 01-10-08 9:44 am
Of Factions and Restoration in the Church
Written by Dr MikeFiled under: Praxis
[3] comments thusfar
From David E. Garland’s comments on 1 Cor 1.10 in the Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament:
To be ‘in the same mind’ (en to auto noï) refers to a Christian mind-set that may include being able to judge ‘what distinguishes good and right from what is evil and wrong’ (Edwards 1885:17). To be ‘in the same purpose’ (en te aute gnome) refers to having the same goals and opinion about the truth.
As Garland notes, it is instructive that Paul, in addressing the factions that had arisen in the Corinthian church, argues theologically and does not rely on his apostolic authority.
Would that all of us might be in the same mind regarding what is right and what is wrong, and that we would all have the same goals – submission and obedience – as well as the same opinion – that the Bible is God’s revelation and is true as he is true – about it.
Amen.
Whenever the argument devolves to authority, it is past the tipping point. God, in his exchange with Job set the tone, using the truth of who knew what was best to force Job to essentially say, “Shut my mouth!” Paul is just following in his Master’s footsteps, as should we.
Amen again.