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corpus-paul - RE: Silvanus and Timothy in 2 Cor 1:19

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  • From: Steve Black <sblack AT axionet.com>
  • To: "Corpus-paul" <corpus-paul AT franklin.oit.unc.edu>
  • Subject: RE: Silvanus and Timothy in 2 Cor 1:19
  • Date: Sat, 27 Jul 2002 13:38:03 -0700


Steve back wrote:
I guess I'm not fully convinced that this need be anything more than
a random detail that Paul "threw in" (no extra charge).

What benefit do you think the Corinthians received for this "no extra charge"?

None. My thought was in defense of the theory that these people may have represented the original missionary team. The only reason Paul may have mentioned their names is because they were there. I think we sometimes be reading too much intent into what were after all just letters. I don't really have anything invested in this theory, but I think that perhaps you might have set it aside without warrant. My real issue is that we treat Paul's letters as if they were written by some super-human intellect where every word is loaded with significance. People often throw away bits of information as they communicate that really don't mean nuthin'.


.... he may not have
meant or intended anything special with the inclusion of this detail.

Then why mention the names at all? There must be SOME reason, however minor. My suggestion is that Paul is defending himself and his co-senders (of the former letter) from the charge of inconsistency. He has no word for 'co-senders' (for the practice was rare), so he names them. What is wrong with this suggestion?

Nothing is wrong with your suggestion. Paul seems to have been in the habit of co-authoring letters. Your suggestion in this is completely reasonable. I was only reacting to the belief that all of what is in Paul's letters HAS to be something more than incidental. If my letters or email posts were examined like this I think all sorts of weird ideas about me could be created.
--
Steve Black
Vancouver School of Theology
Vancouver, BC
---

Once in a while you can get shown the light
in the strangest of places if you look at it right...

-Robert Hunter From SCARLET BEGONIAS




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