Lin

A few thoughts about Paul using his authority. We see this displayed in Philemon, too. However, Paul ‘appeals’ to Philemon but tells him he could use his authority to demand it but does not. My take is that his authority to demand such a thing is based on the Word and what is right. Not on Paul having earthly authority over Philemon but I am open to being corrected on this if I am wrong and it can be shown by scripture..

Just a side note on Matthew 18. A well known large reformed church in the South had a big conference on ‘True Church’ discipline last year. I was appalled that no one spoke out about the step these well known preachers added to the Matthew 18 process. The step they added was to take it to the elders of the church BEFORE they took it to the whole church. We can debate all day on whether that is wise or not but the fact is they added the step in and taught it as if it were there. And no one said a word.