Christian fundamentalists: 1 Cor. 7:12, true or false?

Question

In 1 Cor. 7:10, Paul writes: "And unto the unmarried I command, yet not I, but the Lord, 'Let not the husband put away the wife.'"  No problem there, for Paul is saying that the command is not really his, but the Lord's.

In verse 7:12, however, Paul reverses the authority, saying: "But to the rest speak I, not the Lord."  The straightforward reading is that up until verse 12, Paul has been speaking for the Lord, and now he is speaking for himself.  One can go further and say that, even speaking for himself, he is speaking through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and what he says is true.  But if what Paul says, speaking for himself, is inspired, what happens to his assertion that it is from him, NOT THE LORD?  [emphasis mine].  

So, is the phrase "Not the Lord" inspired or not?

crimthann69 · Accepted Answer

I believe that it is inspired.  The reason is simple.  Paul wishes to make sure all who heard him or read his letter knew that the first directive was GOD willed and the other was what Paul believed was right and just.  But, there was no Jewish law to back it up.  I would further say that the Christian should follow Paul's prompting as he was a servant of God and only wished to keep the marriage vows unbroken.

I believe I see where you are going with this and it is a funny paradox.  If we believe the writers are inspired and thus infallible how can Paul in then state he was not speaking for God, but what he thought was right.  I do not see this as a paradox though.  Paul had all the training of a lawyer and was making sure those that heard him had no argument against his teachings and the law.

Churches today could take notes on this when it comes to sacraments and other denominational differences.  If the Bible says it then all Christians should uphold the truth, but where the Bible is silent they should say "Not the Lord, but the denomination of _____." believes this to be right.

pstlpakr · Answer

The whole letter is inspired.  Paul was answering questions of the Corinthians.  In 7:10, Paul says his answer is a command from the Lord. (do it!)   In 7:12, he says the answer is just his opionion. (do it or not do it, it's o.k.)
Paul was inspired to include the 2nd statement
so that those who read it did not think it was a commandment from God.

Royal Racer Hell=Grave © · Answer

Acts..9:15   But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 

If God chose Paul...who are we to argue?

fmckin1 · Answer

Another trick question.  As far as I know fundamentalists believe that the entire Bible, cover to cover, is the inspired word of God.

Christian fundamentalists: 1 Cor. 7:12, true or false?

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