Studying Theology

[Socialite]

We are looking from modern times to ancient times and trying to understand this whole thing backwards.

Paul wrote 3/4 of the NT. Seminaries spend time understanding ancient documents, understanding the theologies that are rich in those very letters that Paul wrote. Taking the timeless words of Jesus into the timely present.

When they said they were "unlearned and ignorant" this doesn't mean that's what they are. It may be how they were known --- these were blue collar fishermen! The contrast was that the crowd marveled because they knew they had been with Jesus. This wasn't with Jesus in a prayer room, this was literally, with Jesus for 3 years of ministry and discipleship. That can't be replicated by a seminary or "discipleship class," but uncovering the words Jesus shared and disciples recorded in the Gospels, is an important step.

Using Jesus as an example of someone "never learned" is quite humorous. The Word made Flesh. He didn't hang out in the Sanhedrin Council, but spoke with authority. Has nothing to do with the value of seminaries today!

To say Paul's knowledge and expertise had nothing to do with how he articulated his "inspiration" is foolish!! His dialogue on Mars Hill was subject matter he was well acquainted with. God's inspiration doesn't pen our words and description word-for-word. We speak of our inspired interaction with God using our own words, experiences, etc...

What is it you are advocating exactly????

A seminary education certainly isn't a requisite to share the Gospel. But it should be one for the person who wishes to give his life to the work of God (or at least some level of secondary learning in a time where it is so available and accessible).

Paul didn't persecute the church because of his seminary education lol How silly and what a preposterous claim! Paul did not preach or speak for 3 years. He had an interaction with God that I dare say is unique. His role in the NT Church is, thus, quite unique. The only Super Apostle who didn't walk with Jesus physically, or who wasn't commissioned during Jesus' time on earth. I hope you get the trend word here -- unique.

2,000 years later, different time, culture, place.... uncovering and understanding what was originally said, what was meant, how it was understood... these are timeless treasures, where when there is absence I've seen GRAVE error. The day of Pentecostals combatting higher learning is really behind us, with exception of a few. Thanks to Gordon Fee, Pentecostals even have a qualified scholar to point to (the first).