Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 4
In arguing against “this is just for Corinth,” Renee leans heavily on 1 Corinthians 1:2 (“all that in every place call upon the name…”) and Paul’s claims to teach “everywhere in every church” and “ordain…in all churches”; what would change in your Bible reading if you refused to use “original audience” as a way to quietly neutralize instructions you dislike?
Another way to ask: Renee argues Paul meant these teachings for “every church,” not just Corinth. How would your Bible reading change if you stopped using “that was only for the original audience” as a way to dismiss commands you don’t like?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on Renee’s reasoning, refusing to “neutralize” commands by limiting them to the original audience would push you to read apostolic instructions as broadly binding unless the text itself clearly restricts them.
- She reports her pastor said, “That portion of scripture, that’s just for the Corinthian church,” tied to local problems.
- Her counter begins with 1 Corinthians 1:2, where Paul addresses Corinth “and with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ.”
- She notes Paul claims his teaching is for all churches: 1 Corinthians 4:17, “as I teach everywhere in every church,” and 7:17, “so ordain I in all churches.”
- She raises a consistency challenge: many NT letters are addressed to specific people/churches; if “specific audience” cancels commands, then we start to “cherry-pick out of the Bible.”
- She also appeals to 1 Corinthians 11:16 as widening the scope: “neither the churches of God…we don’t argue this custom.”