***“Paul wrote first and his Christology is certainly not explicit of even Christ’s divinity, much less addressing the Holy Spirit.”
From a less dusty copy, in about 30 seconds of looking:***
Let us examine them one by one.
***15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. - col 1***
Similar language was used to describe Adam and David. Nothing in this verse indicates divinity, only favoured status.
***8See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. 9For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.***
A very indicative passage and yet this can easily, and without the Gospels would be, interpreted that the power of God was put within the body of a most favoured man.
***1Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, 3remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.***
Remember that the title Lord was and is a human title, reserved for one who has much power.
Good Grief!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Paul writes, “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.”
You say the same was written of Adam and David???????? That this doesn’t indicate divinity???????
“For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily...”
You say that could be said of men????????
Yes, Lord can be used as a title for men, but the context makes it painfully obvious that Paul is NOT using it of a man, but God.
It is incomprehensible that someone would suggest Paul didn’t realize Jesus is God. I have heard folks incorrectly claim that JESUS didn’t teach he was God, and that it was Paul who first taught that he was God, but yours is the first time I’ve ever heard anyone claim that PAUL didn’t teach the divinity of Christ!