Corpus-Paul

[MillerJimE AT aol.com]

Philip writes:
<< The discussion of the Noahide commandments in the tractate Sanhedrin seems
 to indicate that even then the concept was rather floating. It was not
 defined yet. >>

    Could you elaborate or give the reference?  The actual Biblical text is 
not ambiguous, Genesis 9:1-7.  Also obvious is its place within the covenant 
which continues through verse 17.  What is "floating" about the concept?  Is 
there disagreement whether gentiles were expected to keep these laws?
    By itself, I think the similarities between the decree of Acts 15 and the 
commands of Genesis 9 indicate that the commandments of Noah was a current 
concept in 1st century Judaism.  The more pressing issue is what Paul thought 
of applying Noah's law to gentile converts.  Also interesting is how Acts 
seems to avoid giving Paul's opinion of the council's decree.
Jim Miller