Cherry Pickers Anonymous
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That's one definition, but that's not what Gary is addressing here.
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/cherry-pick
What does cherry-pick mean?
To cherry-pick is to choose very carefully. It especially means to select the best of what’s available or being offered.
The word sometimes implies that doing so is solely for one’s benefit or gain, or to gain an advantage over others.
In the context of research and data, it’s used in a more specific way meaning to selectively choose and present information that supports an existing point of view or hypothesis. This kind of cherry-picking is often unethical.
Whereas you've described the first definition given above, Gary is talking about the bold-faced part or about a different definition or meaning of the term.
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/cherry-pick
What does cherry-pick mean?
To cherry-pick is to choose very carefully. It especially means to select the best of what’s available or being offered.
The word sometimes implies that doing so is solely for one’s benefit or gain, or to gain an advantage over others.
In the context of research and data, it’s used in a more specific way meaning to selectively choose and present information that supports an existing point of view or hypothesis. This kind of cherry-picking is often unethical.
Whereas you've described the first definition given above, Gary is talking about the bold-faced part or about a different definition or meaning of the term.
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I know that this thread is about cherry-picking, but excuse me for a moment while I engage in a bit of nit-picking.
I Corinthians chapter 8 is not about whether or not it's okay to eat meat generally speaking, but rather it's about whether or not it's okay to eat meat offered in sacrifice unto idols specifically speaking.
I Corinthians chapter 8
[1] Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
[2] And if any man think that he knoweth anything, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
[3] But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
[4] As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
[5] For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
[6] But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
[7] Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
[8] But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.
[9] But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
[10] For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
[11] And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
[12] But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
[13] Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
Anyhow, I agree with your overall points, but it would have been better if you had included the part about the meat being "sacrificed unto idols" or if you had just referenced Romans chapter 14 instead, which is a chapter that you certainly seem to have alluded to in your post.
Like I said, just a bit of nit-picking to avoid any possible confusion on the parts of others who might read this conversation and who might not presently have the same knowledge or understanding of scripture that you do.
I Corinthians chapter 8 is not about whether or not it's okay to eat meat generally speaking, but rather it's about whether or not it's okay to eat meat offered in sacrifice unto idols specifically speaking.
I Corinthians chapter 8
[1] Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
[2] And if any man think that he knoweth anything, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
[3] But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
[4] As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
[5] For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
[6] But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
[7] Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
[8] But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.
[9] But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
[10] For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
[11] And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
[12] But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
[13] Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
Anyhow, I agree with your overall points, but it would have been better if you had included the part about the meat being "sacrificed unto idols" or if you had just referenced Romans chapter 14 instead, which is a chapter that you certainly seem to have alluded to in your post.
Like I said, just a bit of nit-picking to avoid any possible confusion on the parts of others who might read this conversation and who might not presently have the same knowledge or understanding of scripture that you do.
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Jesus had to explain quite a bit to the apostles/his disciples, but certainly NOT "everything".
For example, we read:
Matthew chapter 13
[24] Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
[25] But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
[26] But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
[27] So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
[28] He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
[29] But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
[30] Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
After Jesus had finished speaking this particular parable, his disciples definitely asked for clarification of the same:
Matthew chapter 13
[36] Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.
[37] He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;
[38] The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;
[39] The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.
[40] As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.
[41] The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
[42] And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
[43] Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
[44] Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
[45] Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
[46] Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
[47] Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:
[48] Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.
[49] So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,
[50] And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
[51] Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.
In verse 36, his disciples asked him to "declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field" or to properly interpret it for them because they apparently didn't understand what it meant, so there's that.
However, after explaining that particular parable to them, Jesus continued on to give 3 more short parables, and when he had finished doing so, he asked his disciples, "Have ye understood all these things?", and "they say unto him, Yea, Lord" (vs. 51).
With such being the case, again, Jesus needed to explain certain things to his disciples, but certainly NOT "everything".
No.
The disciples didn't receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit/Ghost until the day of Pentecost, but scripture tells us that they had received the Holy Spirit/Ghost prior to that day.
We read:
John chapter 20
[19] Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
[20] And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.
[21] Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
[22] And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
[23] Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
Jesus' disciples received the Holy Ghost on the same day in which he was raised from the dead. Pentecost came 50 days later.
We shouldn't be struggling at all. The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, was sent to lead us and guide us into all truth.
The reason why so many people have no grasp on the truth is because of such things as PRIDE and stubbornness...and there's no shortage of that even on this website or, specifically, in this particular forum (the BDF).
For example, we read:
Matthew chapter 13
[24] Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
[25] But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
[26] But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
[27] So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
[28] He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
[29] But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
[30] Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
After Jesus had finished speaking this particular parable, his disciples definitely asked for clarification of the same:
Matthew chapter 13
[36] Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.
[37] He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;
[38] The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;
[39] The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.
[40] As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.
[41] The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
[42] And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
[43] Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
[44] Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
[45] Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
[46] Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
[47] Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:
[48] Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.
[49] So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,
[50] And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
[51] Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.
In verse 36, his disciples asked him to "declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field" or to properly interpret it for them because they apparently didn't understand what it meant, so there's that.
However, after explaining that particular parable to them, Jesus continued on to give 3 more short parables, and when he had finished doing so, he asked his disciples, "Have ye understood all these things?", and "they say unto him, Yea, Lord" (vs. 51).
With such being the case, again, Jesus needed to explain certain things to his disciples, but certainly NOT "everything".
No.
The disciples didn't receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit/Ghost until the day of Pentecost, but scripture tells us that they had received the Holy Spirit/Ghost prior to that day.
We read:
John chapter 20
[19] Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
[20] And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.
[21] Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
[22] And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
[23] Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
Jesus' disciples received the Holy Ghost on the same day in which he was raised from the dead. Pentecost came 50 days later.
We shouldn't be struggling at all. The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, was sent to lead us and guide us into all truth.
The reason why so many people have no grasp on the truth is because of such things as PRIDE and stubbornness...and there's no shortage of that even on this website or, specifically, in this particular forum (the BDF).
Yep, and the first thief is eternally lost whereas the second thief inherited eternal life.
Luke chapter 23
[39] And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
[40] But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
[41] And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
[42] And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
[43] And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
As you rightly suggested, the first thief/malefactor mentioned here only sought "salvation" from his predicament. In other words, he was only looking to be "saved" from death on a cross.
The second thief/malefactor, however, sought a totally different type of "salvation".
For starters, unlike the first thief/malefactor, he "FEARED GOD" (vs. 40).
Furthermore, he knew that he was rightly or "justly" condemned in that he was receiving "the due reward of his deeds" (vss. 40-41) while recognizing that Jesus was innocent or that he "had done nothing amiss" (vs. 41).
He continued on to call Jesus "Lord", while seeking eternal life or for Jesus to "remember him when he came into his kingdom" (vs. 42).
Again, he got a promise of "paradise" (vs. 43) whereas the other thief/malefactor received no type of "salvation" whatsoever.
How about us?
What type of "salvation" have we sought from the Lord?
Do we FEAR GOD?
I'll tell you plainly that MANY PEOPLE ON THIS FORUM ALONE do not, and I base that upon their own words/their own writings.
If you skip this step, and many have, both here and elsewhere, then nothing good will follow.
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Provers 1:7)
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." (Proverbs 9:10)
Why do so many people, including many professing "Christians", have no real knowledge or wisdom?
Well, because they've skipped the very beginning of the same in that they have no real fear of the LORD.
Isaiah chapter 66
[1] Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?
[2] For all those things hath mine hand made, and those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.
[3] He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.
[4] I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.
[5] Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.
And so it goes...
Luke chapter 23
[39] And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
[40] But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
[41] And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
[42] And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
[43] And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
As you rightly suggested, the first thief/malefactor mentioned here only sought "salvation" from his predicament. In other words, he was only looking to be "saved" from death on a cross.
The second thief/malefactor, however, sought a totally different type of "salvation".
For starters, unlike the first thief/malefactor, he "FEARED GOD" (vs. 40).
Furthermore, he knew that he was rightly or "justly" condemned in that he was receiving "the due reward of his deeds" (vss. 40-41) while recognizing that Jesus was innocent or that he "had done nothing amiss" (vs. 41).
He continued on to call Jesus "Lord", while seeking eternal life or for Jesus to "remember him when he came into his kingdom" (vs. 42).
Again, he got a promise of "paradise" (vs. 43) whereas the other thief/malefactor received no type of "salvation" whatsoever.
How about us?
What type of "salvation" have we sought from the Lord?
Do we FEAR GOD?
I'll tell you plainly that MANY PEOPLE ON THIS FORUM ALONE do not, and I base that upon their own words/their own writings.
If you skip this step, and many have, both here and elsewhere, then nothing good will follow.
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Provers 1:7)
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." (Proverbs 9:10)
Why do so many people, including many professing "Christians", have no real knowledge or wisdom?
Well, because they've skipped the very beginning of the same in that they have no real fear of the LORD.
Isaiah chapter 66
[1] Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?
[2] For all those things hath mine hand made, and those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.
[3] He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.
[4] I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.
[5] Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.
And so it goes...
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I'm not sure what your motive/purpose was in posting this, but this even longer context only further proves my initial point.
For example, we read:
Isaiah chapter 28
[9] Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.
[10] For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:
[11] For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.
[12] To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.
[13] But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.
[14] Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem.
[15] Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves:
[16] Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.
Again, the actual context of this whole "precept upon precept" thing is that of certain Jews who sought justification via the law of Moses while falling backwards or stumbling over the stumbling stone of Christ, the very one whom Moses wrote about in the law.
As Jesus said:
John chapter 5
[39] Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
[40] And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
[41] I receive not honour from men.
[42] But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.
[43] I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
[44] How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
[45] Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.
[46] For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.
[47] But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?
For example, we read:
Isaiah chapter 28
[9] Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.
[10] For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:
[11] For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.
[12] To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.
[13] But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.
[14] Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem.
[15] Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves:
[16] Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.
Again, the actual context of this whole "precept upon precept" thing is that of certain Jews who sought justification via the law of Moses while falling backwards or stumbling over the stumbling stone of Christ, the very one whom Moses wrote about in the law.
As Jesus said:
John chapter 5
[39] Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
[40] And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
[41] I receive not honour from men.
[42] But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.
[43] I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
[44] How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
[45] Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.
[46] For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.
[47] But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?
Indeed. When they referred to “the scriptures” in the New Testament they were talking about Old Testament books. It’s not even clear if the writers of the NT would know that nearly 2,000 years later that people would be calling them scriptures too.
For example, when the Bereans were “searching the scriptures daily” they were looking through the Law and the Prophets, not New Testament letters and epistles which probably weren’t widely available. So technically “being a Berean” should consist of only using OT books to confirm NT passages.
For example, when the Bereans were “searching the scriptures daily” they were looking through the Law and the Prophets, not New Testament letters and epistles which probably weren’t widely available. So technically “being a Berean” should consist of only using OT books to confirm NT passages.
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In his second epistle, Peter referred to Paul's epistles as being "scripture":
II Peter chapter 3
[14] Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
[15] And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
[16] As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
In other words, Peter likened Paul's epistles to "the other scriptures". He also implied that those to whom he was writing had actually read or at least heard what was contained in Paul's epistles, so they seemingly were widely circulated at that time. We get another indication of this in what Paul said to the saints of Colosse in his epistle to them:
Colossians chapter 4
[16] And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
Anyhow, I wrote a post several days ago in which I documented that the gospels and Paul's epistles, at least, seem to have been widely circulated early on in the first century. You can read that post here if you're interested in doing so:
https://christianchat.com/bible-dis...titutes-scriptures.205825/page-2#post-4856403
II Peter chapter 3
[14] Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
[15] And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
[16] As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
In other words, Peter likened Paul's epistles to "the other scriptures". He also implied that those to whom he was writing had actually read or at least heard what was contained in Paul's epistles, so they seemingly were widely circulated at that time. We get another indication of this in what Paul said to the saints of Colosse in his epistle to them:
Colossians chapter 4
[16] And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
Anyhow, I wrote a post several days ago in which I documented that the gospels and Paul's epistles, at least, seem to have been widely circulated early on in the first century. You can read that post here if you're interested in doing so:
https://christianchat.com/bible-dis...titutes-scriptures.205825/page-2#post-4856403
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That’s a deduction and inference but it isn’t clear Peter considered Paul’s writing the same kind of holy writ as they did the Law and the Prophets. I mean it doesn’t just say “Paul’s writings are scripture.” So I’m lead to believe they weren’t considered holy writ at the time they were written.
The Colossians 4 passage, from my perspective, doesn’t really say the epistles were widespread. We at least know the Colossians epistle was in Laodicea, but that’s all. Actually, it seems to say we’re missing an epistle called Laodiceans from the canonized Bible.
As far as the Bereans go, they were certainly looking to the Old Testament books as their scripture considering they were Jewish.
Acts 17:10,11
10And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
but yes thank you I’ll definitely check your post out.
The Colossians 4 passage, from my perspective, doesn’t really say the epistles were widespread. We at least know the Colossians epistle was in Laodicea, but that’s all. Actually, it seems to say we’re missing an epistle called Laodiceans from the canonized Bible.
As far as the Bereans go, they were certainly looking to the Old Testament books as their scripture considering they were Jewish.
Acts 17:10,11
10And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
but yes thank you I’ll definitely check your post out.
