Corpus-Paul

["David Inglis" <david AT colonialcommerce.com>]

Steve Black wrote:

> Loren wrote
> >
> >That Paul went to Jerusalem "in order to be sure that
> >he wasn't running in vain" (Gal 2:2) should put to
> >rest notions that he didn't care what the pillars
> >thought about the matter. Gal 2:6 -- "From those who
> >were supposed to be acknowledged leaders (what they
> >actualy were makes no difference to me; God shows no
> >partiality") -- is, I believe, part of the face-saving
> >rhetoric which runs through Gal 2:1-10.
> 
> You make a good point here, Loren.
> 
> It seems that perhaps Paul was both arrogant and insecure. This 
> twinning of traits is not as strange as may at first appear, and in 
> fact might be connected.

Another point to consider is Paul's experience on the road to Damascus. 
Assuming that the reports are genuine (in the sense of there being no
intent to deceive) then Paul clearly believed that his 'mission' came
directly from Jesus.  As such, I believe there is no reason for him to
feel 'inferior' or 'under the control' of the Jerusalem church.  Instaed,
it seems reasonable for Paul to consider himself at least equal to the
leaders of that church.  Nevertheless, it would be reasonable for him to
connect with them from time, initially to find out what they were doing,
and how that might affect him.

Dave Inglis
david AT colonialcommerce.com
3538 O'Connor Drive
Lafayette, CA, USA