I don't think anyone would argue that they all preached Christ, but were there differences in their understandings of the Gospel that are clearly present and identifiable in their writings?
Obviously their audiences were different and the intent of each of their writings were different. However, particularly when we look at Paul's writings (but not just Paul) as contrasted with the other writings in the New Testament I am increasingly finding it more and more difficult not to conclude that there are some variations between the writers in what Jesus' death and ressurection meant for believers.
If I did not already approach the New Testament Scriptures with the viewpoint that the writers were all in complete harmony in their understanding, then I would have already concluded long ago that their beliefs obviously had some differences in terms of understanding what the message of Jesus meant for the believer.
However I have until very recently been giving the benefit of the doubt to the idea that they are all in total harmony. Maybe their audiences shaded their writings in different directions or maybe their personalities, education and different experiences resulted in the perception of a wider variance in the meanings and applications of their beliefs and revelations than what actually existed.
The bottom line for me right now is that I cannot at this moment reconcile certain concepts with each other between the writers and I believe that if I try and force them to fit like I believe many ministers and theologians have done through the years then I potentially compromise the integrity of the writings and the intent of the writers and consequentially the One (Holy Spirit) who inspired them.
Does anyone have any thoughts on this matter? I would appreciate you sharing especially if you have tackled this issue before and have come to a conclusion. I would very much like to hear some ideas.
Obviously their audiences were different and the intent of each of their writings were different. However, particularly when we look at Paul's writings (but not just Paul) as contrasted with the other writings in the New Testament I am increasingly finding it more and more difficult not to conclude that there are some variations between the writers in what Jesus' death and ressurection meant for believers.
If I did not already approach the New Testament Scriptures with the viewpoint that the writers were all in complete harmony in their understanding, then I would have already concluded long ago that their beliefs obviously had some differences in terms of understanding what the message of Jesus meant for the believer.
However I have until very recently been giving the benefit of the doubt to the idea that they are all in total harmony. Maybe their audiences shaded their writings in different directions or maybe their personalities, education and different experiences resulted in the perception of a wider variance in the meanings and applications of their beliefs and revelations than what actually existed.
The bottom line for me right now is that I cannot at this moment reconcile certain concepts with each other between the writers and I believe that if I try and force them to fit like I believe many ministers and theologians have done through the years then I potentially compromise the integrity of the writings and the intent of the writers and consequentially the One (Holy Spirit) who inspired them.
Does anyone have any thoughts on this matter? I would appreciate you sharing especially if you have tackled this issue before and have come to a conclusion. I would very much like to hear some ideas.