10-17-24

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
October 17, 2024
Did the Apostle Paul write all the letters that are assigned to him in scripture? In Galatians 6:11, it says, “See what large letters I make when I am writing in my own hand!” You can almost imagine it written in the margins as a sort of side note to explain the sudden change in handwriting. Some believe that the Apostle Paul might have been losing his eyesight, and so he used a scribe as he dictated the letter. Then, at the end, he attempted to write the final few thoughts with his own hand. But there are other letters that are considered pseudonymous, or, to say it a different way, letters that were written by someone else but using the name of Paul. In today’s world, we would expect legal action, or at least a cease and desist letter. But in the ancient world, a student would honor his/her teacher, often after their death, by writing a letter under the teacher's name. Because the student accepted no recognition in its creation, it was seen as a virtuous expression of gratitude. Most scholars believe Ephesians, First and Second Timothy, along with Titus, were not written by the Apostle Paul. There appears to be scholarly debate about Colossians and Second Thessalonians, though I tend to believe Second Thessalonians was not written by Paul. Why do I share this information? In part, because some people do not want to hear it because they believe it somehow makes the Bible untrue or untrustworthy. This occurs when a twenty-first century perspective is imposed on a first-century system of ethics and the rules of authorship. What are we doing today that two thousand years from now will have people saying, “That couldn’t have happened. That’s not appropriate”? Times change, and that’s a good thing… assuming there is progress. But to say that Paul’s student did something wrong or inappropriate is not helpful and sort of historically arrogant. Instead, it’s probably better to say something like, “In today’s world, we probably would see things differently because…” (and then provide reasons), while also seeking to understand why they did what they did in another time and place. I hope in a thousand years, others will show me a little grace, even when they do not find what I have done to be ethical or moral. What one culture understands as honoring has another culture hiring an attorney. 

Help my perspective while always giving me grace, O God. There is something important about learning the past without always assuming differences mean that I am better or more righteous. In understanding, we find growth, and with your help, such growth leads closer to your vision for this world. Amen.