Wednesday 22 October 2014

Background

It is hard to imagine just how radical Paul was at times. He isoften dismissed as conservative and traditionalist, teaching oldteachings about women and slaves, and how we relate to authorities.However, it is perhaps fairer to him as a Christian writer to thinkof his context - and be amazed at what else he says.

Christ transformed Paul's traditionalist views and so he wroteof how the natural barriers of his day were broken down completely.They were not done so because he has suddenly developed a tolerantand easygoing personality, a way of accommodating diversity. Hedoesn't change his ancient views because some one has managed toteach him basic equality and diversity theory. Paul has met Christ.He meets him when he was in the business of persecuting Christ'sfollowers (Acts 9:1-9). More importantly he was not struckdown by an angry and wrathful God, but an overwhelmingly lovingGod. Christ is Paul's 'all in all'. And as Paul experienced forhimself acceptance and love, and watches such a fire of compassionconsume so much base stuff (see verse 8) he simply knows now thatold divisions have fallen.

To Ponder

• Do you feel accepted and loved by God for who you are?

• Who does that make you want to reach out that once you thought'beyond the pail'?