Interplanner
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One reason I looked for the expressions about having intercourse was because, of all OT stories, these are the ones where it would matter! And it's not there. Does it really matter in Gen 4:1 or 17? Yet, here is an account where a positive statement would really matter and it's not there. Cp the detail at Mt 1:25.
Taking me back to the apostle's interp in Rom 4, 9, Gal 4. Paul's language is not biologically correct ("born" in Gal 4:23 means conceived); but what matters to him is what this says to Judaism and its misconceptions. He is trying to establish God's direct creation of a people apart from natural descendancy; that it was there all along. What better place to put this than Abraham's first child? It makes it as much a statement as his not being circumcised at the time of the promise that results in justification from his sins. Not to mention before the Law.
I do see how Lk 1:24 can be seen as a proof, thanks. I just expected positive indication, again cp. Mt 1:25. Or Is 8:3.
The indication from Paul is that Sarah was too old to conceive. Otherwise there is no story to it.
It sounds like you know the OT enough to know that the status of virgin is a debate in Is 7. If there is a parallel to Christ, then that was a virgin conception direct from God as well. If not, then it probably doesn't mean virgin, as it is elsewhere translated young woman or maiden. If you think Christ's was the only virgin birth then, there is even more reason to not translate Is 7 as virgin, etc. Because what would be the "sign" of a virgin conceiving? That happens all the time. (Again notice the positive detail about intercourse where it matters: 8:3).
Taking me back to the apostle's interp in Rom 4, 9, Gal 4. Paul's language is not biologically correct ("born" in Gal 4:23 means conceived); but what matters to him is what this says to Judaism and its misconceptions. He is trying to establish God's direct creation of a people apart from natural descendancy; that it was there all along. What better place to put this than Abraham's first child? It makes it as much a statement as his not being circumcised at the time of the promise that results in justification from his sins. Not to mention before the Law.
I do see how Lk 1:24 can be seen as a proof, thanks. I just expected positive indication, again cp. Mt 1:25. Or Is 8:3.
The indication from Paul is that Sarah was too old to conceive. Otherwise there is no story to it.
It sounds like you know the OT enough to know that the status of virgin is a debate in Is 7. If there is a parallel to Christ, then that was a virgin conception direct from God as well. If not, then it probably doesn't mean virgin, as it is elsewhere translated young woman or maiden. If you think Christ's was the only virgin birth then, there is even more reason to not translate Is 7 as virgin, etc. Because what would be the "sign" of a virgin conceiving? That happens all the time. (Again notice the positive detail about intercourse where it matters: 8:3).
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