A Matter of Opinion?

Have you ever been in a discussion about a particular teaching of the New Testament and heard someone say, “Well that was just Paul’s opinion”? I have heard people say this with regard to homosexuality. And the qualifications for elders. But most often it is used as an attempt to refute the biblical teaching about the role of women in the church, particularly 1 Timothy 2:12: “I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent.” There is similar teaching in 1 Corinthians 14.

Ignoring a biblical command due to the belief that it is merely “Paul’s opinion” is fraught with theological pitfalls. It seriously challenges the doctrines of inspiration and apostolic authority. It puts one on a slippery slope toward biblical irrelevance. If a doctrine can be ignored and written off as someone’s opinion , then almost nothing is off-limits (except perhaps the red-letter words of Jesus).

The Holy Spirit anticipated the “matter of opinion” issue. In 1 Corinthians 14:37 (in the context of women being silent in the churches), Paul writes, “If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord's command.” In other words, he is saying “This is NOT merely my opinion.”

However, for the sake of argument, let’s imagine that the teaching in 1 Timothy 2 and 1 Corinthians 14 is simply Paul’s opinion. The opinion of the apostle Paul should carry much weight with those who want to follow the Lord. We are talking about a man who was perhaps the godliest person to ever walk the earth (next to Jesus). He was someone who preached the gospel, healed the sick, raised the dead, and penned two-thirds of the New Testament. He was imprisoned for his faith; stoned, beaten, shipwrecked, and left for dead. Isn’t his opinion something that should have great influence over us?

The person who says, “That was just Paul’s opinion” wants me to reject what Paul says and listen to what she says. As former President Bush used to say: "Not gonna do it!"

For the Love of Books

My brother-in-law came to town for a visit today. He brought me a present -- a big box of books. He has a lot of "preacher books" that he no longer wants/needs. He brought a variety of commentaries, books about preaching and a few other topics. I already had a few of them, so I passed them along to some staff. We were all happy. Thanks Barry!

Restoration History

I have been teaching about the history of the Restoration Movement during the winter session of The Well (the mid-week program at our church). It is one of the elective classes we offer for adults. Ever since my Bible College days, I have been a Restoration History buff. The principles and plea of our spiritual forefathers resonates with my spirit. The idea of taking the Bible only and being a Christian only, eschewing denominational divisions makes sense to me.

It has been fun introducing these concepts to some of the new believers in our congregation. Some of my brethren have suggested that it is time to bury the Restoration Plea. They are simply wrong.

Coming Back

Hey everybody! I've been a bit of a slacker lately. I'm going to try to post more regularly again. What's new with me?

I'm REALLY looking forward to the warmer Spring weather.

I'm enjoying the study for the sermon series I've been preaching from the Gospel of John. Check it out here.

I can't believe I have a senior graduating less than three months from now.

In a couple of weeks I will be returning to my old stomping grounds, the Virginia Peninsula, to preach at the Olivet Christian Church.