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Did the NT authors know that they were writing scripture?

earlwooters

Active Member
You answered one part of a multipart question. Next to scripture becomes scripture. Where in the Gospels does Jesus proclaim the Apostolic qualities of Paul. Who among the Apostles refers to Paul as an Apostle, besides Paul and Luke? If Jesus and Paul lived during the same time, why didn't Jesus inform his real Apostles of the coming of Paul by name since they were living at the same time? Since the authors of the books of the NT can only be a guess at best, if the authors of the Gospels did not know of Paul, or never heard of him, why would his writings be considered scripture? Simply because Paul wanted them to be? Of course, Marcion, elevated Pauls supposed writings to the level of scripture. The much hated Marcion, deserves the credit for elevating the letters of Paul to scripture. Marcion knew he was writing scripture.
 

Firstborner

Active Member
Paul was not an Apostle. Where in the Gospels is there any mention of Paul being an Apostle?

Paul is not mentioned by name in any of the four gospels. Peter was mentioned as the Chief Apostle in all four and his letter, which mentions Paul and his writings as approved by him as scripture, ought to be considered corroborating evidence that he was an Apostle, as he says, and Luke states.
 

Luminous

non-existential luminary
I believe the Apostles were very aware. Peter describes Paul's writings as scripture even as he was alive, and Paul in several places gave his judgement, and claimed that the Spirit moved him to do so.
Yes, indeed. Secular history will tell you that Paul, Peter, James, Luke, etc actually worked often together to set up Christianity as a viable religion among the Roman Empire. I don't know about the others.
 

Desert Snake

Veteran Member
Yes, indeed. Secular history will tell you that Paul, Peter, James, Luke, etc actually worked often together to set up Christianity as a viable religion among the Roman Empire. I don't know about the others.

So how much do you consider to be gospel then?
 

earlwooters

Active Member
None of the NT authors knew they were writing scripture. Jesus never wrote anything. None of the books of the NT have ever been matched with an author undisputedly. Paul is supposed to be the largest contributor to the NT. Jesus never knew Paul existed. None of the gospels mention or even hint of Paul. Paul is called an Apostle only by himself and Luke. Luke was not an Apostle either, and never knew Jesus.
 

Desert Snake

Veteran Member
None of the NT authors knew they were writing scripture. Jesus never wrote anything. None of the books of the NT have ever been matched with an author undisputedly. Paul is supposed to be the largest contributor to the NT. Jesus never knew Paul existed. None of the gospels mention or even hint of Paul. Paul is called an Apostle only by himself and Luke. Luke was not an Apostle either, and never knew Jesus.

So how did the "gospels" come about? Who compiled them? Who compiled the NT?
 

outhouse

Atheistically
Yes, indeed. Secular history will tell you that Paul, Peter, James, Luke, etc actually worked often together to set up Christianity as a viable religion among the Roman Empire. I don't know about the others.


wrong


we only know of those people by whats written in the gospel from unknown authors.
 

waitasec

Veteran Member
I would say absolutely not... and furthermore, I think that they would be horrified to learn that Christians place their writings alongside the "Old Testament."

I agree on this 100%

paul would be a example of someone who would roll over in his grave if he knew what happened to his letters.

I would agree that Paul never intended for his work to be scripture, but not the cannonical gospels

i don't know, it would seem as though paul would be very proud that his theology made it this far...
why else would he be urging the churches he was writing to to abide by his words, which he claims to be supported by god, while contradicting what christ presumably taught?
paul never accounts for jesus ministry other than his death, resurrection and the promise of faith.
 
The letters were simply that: Letters. They became important as more and more people read them and realized that what they were reading was the theology of the church.
I have difficulty understanding this concept. Are you saying that Paul actually wrote scripture without realizing it?

Also, it seems reasonable to say that, at the very least, Paul thought he was writing scripture. 1 Corinthians 7:10 - But to the married I give instructions, not I, but the Lord, that the wife should not leave her husband...

He at least claimed that what he was writing came from God.
Even modern bishops, who carry the same authority as Paul, engage in these activities on a regular basis.
Yet you claim that Paul's letters contain church theology. How is it that Paul's letters contain authoritative doctrine, whereas, modern bishops' letters do not, despite their equal authority?
 

earlwooters

Active Member
It appears that the NT authors did not know they were writing scripture. If they were not writing scripture, what were they writing? Opinions?
 
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