In 1 Corinthians Paul speaks about divisions in the Church. How some were saying they were of Paul, others Apollos, others Cephas. When addressing this he asked, "Are we not all of Christ?" Meaning just because it was the message of Paul or Apollos that lead someone to Christ, that doesn't mean they are a follower of Paul or Apollos.
In 2 Peter, Peter writes that some of things Paul writes about are hard to understand and some folks twist them like they do other scriptures.
In thinking about this I realized that a lot of division we have amongst ourselves does come from Paul's writings.
Part of the error within some dispensational thought, for example, is that Paul preached a separate Gospel of Grace for the gentiles.
The Calvinist idea of election and predestination is heavily based on the book of Romans.
Sola Fide from Galatians.
The Continuist vs Cessationist debate comes from opposing views of 1 Corinthians.
The rapture from Thessalonians...
I can go on...but I wonder what it is about Paul's letters that have caused so much division? What is it about them that makes them hard to understand? Does it just seem like there's more division based on his teachings because he wrote the majority of the NT?
I have wondered if we didn't have Paul's epistles in the Bible if we would be more unified. Not that I'm saying we should disregard them...because there is much truth to be found in his words...nor do I think that Paul is to blame, but our interpretations of what he said...but is there a remedy?
The remedy is the Holy Spirit.
John 16:13 - When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.
In all my journey to God and with God the HOLY SPIRIT has so often times been the most negated and overlooked piece to the puzzle that is God Himself. The very BIBLE itself was written by the HOLY SPIRIT. MEN..who were INSPIRED by IT.
It is GOD's VERY SPIRIT...that produces...HIS WORD...that HAS HIM TO SAY....I Am.
The Bible says this..
Ephesians 5:18 - And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery,
but be filled with the Spirit,
Acts 6:3 - "Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation,
full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.
Micah 3:8 - On the other hand I am
filled with power-- With the Spirit of the LORD-- And with justice and courage To make known to Jacob his rebellious act, Even to Israel his sin.
Exodus 31:3 - "
I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship,
Luke 1:15 - "For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor,
and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother's womb.
To understand Paul...is to be filled...because it was the only way he even WROTE the Epistles..
Acts 9:17 - So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and
be filled with the Holy Spirit."