Corpus-Paul

[Jim West <jwest AT highland.net>]

Tim Gallant wrote:

> Jim West asks,
>
> > How will OT texts be any more authoritative for non jews than would 
> > Homer or Socrates?
>
>
> For the same reason that Paul identifies Jesus as "Christ" for those 
> same non-Jews. 

What would the typical Greek have understood by the word "anointed"?  
Because, as you will surely know, when Paul uses "christos" it isn't yet 
a Title or a capitalized term.  Its just a word.  Jesus "the" anointed 
would have meant something completely different than most Christians 
today understand it.  But the problem is, what?

> He never pretends that they are adopting a new religion just dropped 
> fresh out of the sky. The gospel for the world is the salvation of 
> Israel.

Im not sure if the average greek on the street would have given a 
thought to the salvation of Israel.  Would they have really cared all 
that much?  I dont think so.  I think, in fact, that any language Paul 
used would have resonated from their own upbringing in the Mysteries.  
Blood, washing, salvation, all that stuff wouldn't have been heard by 
greeks the same way it was by jews.  When Paul spoke to greeks did they 
hear what he meant or what they understood?  

Jim


--
Jim West, ThD
http://web.infoave.net/~jwest
http://biblical-studies.blogspot.com