Corpus-Paul

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

Edgar Krentz wrote:
> 
> It is curious that neither Paul or subsequent narratives in Acts ever 
> speak of the Jerusalem decree being actively used. And the Jerusalem 
> leaders also sent along two prophets to make sure that it got 
> delivered.
> 
> Paul never refers to the decree in discussing the problems with food 
> in Corinth, even though Peter has also been there.

As far as we know, the decree *only* went "to the Gentile brothers and
sisters in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia" (Acts 15:23), and hence IMHO it
would have actually been very strange for Paul to have directly referred
to the decree anywhere else.  Also, although it is a reasonable inference
to say that Peter had been in Corinth, all we really know is that some
Corinthians knew (or knew of) Peter, not that he had actually been there.

> Why did Paul not 
> mention  The decree in Galatians, if written after the Jerusalem 
> meeting? Because there is not record in Galatians of any of the items 
> the Jerusalem meeting wanted enforced being a problem, whether diet 
> or rules for ritual purity.

But surely that is not the point?  I agree that what the decree *does* say
is not a problem, but the decree is of great importance to the Galatians
because of what it does *not* say, e.g. that circumcision is still
required.

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