Apostles and Prophets?

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

But Paul speaks of a knowledge others did not have in the past and is JUST NOW being revealed by the Apostles and prophets

I think it is best to see the "NOW" as being during the first century - that's when Paul was saying "NOW" and so that's when the "NOW" was happening.

The phrase "apostles and prophets" as used by Paul may even indicate something behind the way the New Testament books were written, compiled and the canon was formed. A lot of NT scholars will point out to differences in style in the writings of even just Paul himself.

A few will attempt to assert that there may have been several "pseudo-Pauls" based upon these changes in style and language in the body of writings traditionally attributed to Paul. The Book of Hebrews is a classic example and much of the writing is markedly different from the style and language used by Paul elsewhere.

Personally, I think much of the textual criticism of the last 100 years has been something of a fad, one that is wearing out now. However, it is hard to look past some of the salient points the "critics" have brought up. I have come to wonder, for example, if it might not be a good idea to sometimes refer to a "School of Paul" as being responsible for much of the writings attributed to the Apostle Paul himself.

The Acts of the Apostles makes it plain that Paul never travelled alone even when in chains! Also, there are several instances referred to in Acts and the epistles where "prophets" contribute to the ministry of the apostle. These individuals included Silas, Barnabas, Timothy, Apollos, Priscilla, Aquila, Tychicus, Onesimus and others.

In Galatians 6:11 we read: "See what big letters I make as I write to you with my own hand!" (NET Bible). It is interesting that Paul points out what his own handwriting looks like.

It may be that "the prophets" under discussion here in the NT are those who contributed to the writing and formation of the NT itself, working along side "the apostles."