Cheryl

Don,

While I gave my last word about why I believe as I do, there might be some words left in me to try to stretch people to think outside the box.

The issue of binding and loosening has nothing to do with a choice for a replacement for Judas. Also Paul is not contrasting himself with the key (super) apostles but saying that he is equal to them (he says he did not fall short of them). Paul’s claims certainly have to be dealt with by any who see him as one who has less authority than the ones called to be witnesses of the resurrection and to be foundations of the church. Is Paul indeed unique or is he also chosen by Jesus personally as all the others are for the same mission? If we get held back by thoughts that the disciples couldn’t have gone beyond their delegated authority we may miss out on an opportunity to see a lesson in all of this. I would just like to encourage people to think. What are the entire facts of the case and don’t stop with a thought that may be uncomfortable regarding apostolic authority. Jesus told them to wait until they were filled with the Spirit for power. After that date they didn’t seem to make any mistakes in unison.

Also no issue that has application for our lives today (this issue has applications for women’s ordination) is unworthy of spending time reasoning through. When all the evidence is on the table and none of the evidence is ignored, everyone can make a decision for themselves. Paul’s claims that no one else ever made need to be thought through.

Thanks for all your gracious words of wisdom.