Posted on 06/11/2009 2:32:32 AM PDT by GonzoII
Paul referred to the "Gospel" as preached and taught by the Apostles. When Paul wrote, there was no New Testament (how could there be, if his own letters would be included?). There is, of course, disagreement about the dating of the books of the New Testament, but I think the most common view is that the letters of Paul were the earliest written -- so he couldn't have been referring to what we have as the four Scriptural Gospels.
“Sola Scriptura is a tradition of men. Can you show me where this doctrine originated? It is surely not biblical.”
Scripture = written record of the teachings and actions of the Prophets, Apostles and the Lord Himself.
If not Scripture, then what standard of faith do you propose?
Where in those records is Scripture held up to be the sole rule of faith?
"If not Scripture, then what standard of faith do you propose?"
The Bible, Tradition and the teaching Church expounding both.
The word tradition in the Greek means literally things handed down. That’s all it means. Things handed down. And what he is saying then in that sense is this, stand firm and hold on to the things handed down, the things handed down through teaching by word and letter from us.
That’s divine revelation. In the Pauline letters and the revelation God gave him which he preached to them...the oral things and the written things.
You're sounding like a Catholic apologist.
So if the oral things were not written, where can one find them?
The answer is in the Church, the leaders of which were told to go into the whole world and teach all things that were commanded them by Christ. Mt 28:20
So if the Church says one thing, and the Prophets and Apostles taught something else, which do we go with?
Oral things handed down, like divine revelation were taught to Timothy, doctrinal instruction, authoritative teaching. The point being Paul does not mention anybody or anything that he should look to for help in teaching or mattesr of faith, the Holy Spirit was there for him, not some organization.
Tradition from fallible, corruptible men or God breathed Scripture, not a difficult choice.
There can be no contradiction since the the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth (Jn 14:16):
1) Has spoken through the Prophets. (2 Pet 1:20-21)
2) Has taught and governed through the Apostles (Acts 2:1-4; 15:28).
3) Works and teaches through His Church. (1 Cor 12:4-11, Jn 14:26)
The whole reply to question 331. above shows that there is indeed an authoritative body ("organization") that teaches, of which St. Paul is a member.
The apostles were the authoritative body and to Timothy, the Holy Spirit did the teaching.
Hey Gonzo. The Scriptures teach that the Scriptures are the Word of God and all doctrines must be scriptural or they are but heresies.
2Ti:3
12. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
13. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
14. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15. And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17. That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
And Peter himself;
2 Peter 1:
15. Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.
16. For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
17. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
18. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.
19. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
20. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
21. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Okay, for the sake of argument, which books of the Bible are inspired? Where is it written in Scripture that Matthew is an inspired book?
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