The First Church was willing to Change Standards of Conduct!

[Michael The Disciple]

Originally Posted by Chan

Notice what Paul said, though:

"Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof. If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. But if any man say unto you, this is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof: Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience? For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved."

Good post Chan. Also in that same light how did Yeshua feel about eating meat that was knowingly offered in sacrifice to idols?

20: Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. Rev. 2:20

He still counted it as a sin!

[crakjak]

Originally Posted by Brett Prince

Excellent point, but you seem to be denying that there was NOT a prohibition in Paul's day, but that afterwards, a prohibition against slavery became common place in the church.

My only point, while agreeing that things changed with the times, is that, based upon principles not always enforced in Paul's day--they also took steps to create more formal rulings that were also stricter than the original position.

Possibly in Paul's day the slaves were not treat so savagely? Just a thought.

[Brett Prince]

Originally Posted by crakjak

Possibly in Paul's day the slaves were not treat so savagely? Just a thought.

Actually, if you study it out, you will find that some Gentile masters made slaves to perform as mistresses, or as temple prostitutes for pagan gods--and made them sell pagan wares in and around the pagan temples. They may not have beat them--but there was torture in more excruciating ways than just a physical whip.

[Sister Alvear]

where ever there are people there are problems to solve...true in the first church and still true today.

[Truly Blessed]

Originally Posted by Newman

Do you find authority to add to the Word of God?

Using the "I don't have the evidence so I'll answer a question with a question routine" eh?

[ILG]

Originally Posted by keith4him

I read this today, I thought it was interesting that even the first church reversed a decision and changed a popular standard. Here's the scenario:

Acts 15:28 The Council at Jerusalem layed at some standards of conduct, listen to the language.
28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: 29 that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality.[g] If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.

Yet the Apostle Paul, who was present in that meeting and even carried the letters of requirements to these newly born Gentile believers felt the liberty to change one of the main requirements (standard) that was given by the council.

Paul wrote, “Do not hesitate to eat anything that is sold in butchers’ shops” (I Cor. 10:25). This was meat that he knew was offered to idols.

Why do you think he changed a widely held requirement (standard)?

I think he just expounded upon the meaning of the standard layed forth by the apostles....that it wasn't a cut and dried, black and white command, but that it was more important that they understood the principle and obeyed that.

[Newman]

Originally Posted by Truly Blessed

Using the "I don't have the evidence so I'll answer a question with a question routine" eh?

Huh? I never claimed evidence. I just can't find the authority granted in Scripture to add to the Word of God. The Catholic Church finds it in Jesus giving Peter the keys to the kingdom.

So I wanted to know what your thoughts were outside of the Scripture you cited in Revelation (that I never had in mind). It was simply a question not an attempt to deflect anything. But that is ok. No need to answer now. I am out of time.

[Sister Alvear]

unbendable people usually break!

[Sister Alvear]

flexable people usually stand the test of time.

[Truly Blessed]

I have a problem with those who quote Rev.22:18 and apply it to the Bible in general. Keeping in mind that when Revelation was written there was no NT scriptures, adding to Scripture was exactly what the NT writers were doing.