In discussing the standards of the kingdom, Paul writes “All things are lawful for me.” Augustine will write later in the same vein “Love God and do as you please!” Paul, believing that the parousia will happen any day now warns people to maintain the status quo. In chapter 9, the Corinthians list their complaints against Paul. He declined to accept any maintenance for himself from the church. So, was he really an apostle? Paul was unmarried. And, he had liberal views with regard to food that had been consecrated to idols, Jewish traditions and customs, such as circumcision. Paul defends himself. “Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my workmanship in the Lord?” He then stresses the need for the self-discipline of an athlete.
In discussing the standards of the kingdom, Paul writes “All things are lawful for me.” Augustine will write later in the same vein “Love God and do as you please!” Paul, believing that the parousia will happen any day now warns people to maintain the status quo. In chapter 9, the Corinthians list their complaints against Paul. He declined to accept any maintenance for himself from the church. So, was he really an apostle? Paul was unmarried. And, he had liberal views with regard to food that had been consecrated to idols, Jewish traditions and customs, such as circumcision. Paul defends himself. “Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my workmanship in the Lord?” He then stresses the need for the self-discipline of an athlete.
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