Understanding Paul better
Koot van Wyk (DLitt et Phil; ThD)
Visiting Professor
Kyungpook National University
Sangju Campus
South Korea
Conjoint Lecturer of Avondale College
Australia
12 July 2011
The diagram that follows is a synthesis of Paul's thinking when he is correcting Christians. There are sometimes Jewish converts who are full of Judaic elements and wish to still follow celebrations like New Year, Yom Kippur, and other Leviticus 23 celebrations that were linked to the sanctuary truth of the Old Testament.
Paul is arguing that these things were fulfilled in Christ who is a ante-type for that type of the Old Testament. The seventh day Sabbath was not included in this frame since it was since Creation.
In Romans 14 he says that people not eating meat are weak. Does that mean vegetarians are weak? No. Daniel and his friends were strong and thus, Paul will not contradict Daniel in his book.
For a proper understanding, Romans 14 should be read with Colossians 8 where meat to idols are at stake. The diagram clear the issues one by one in Romans 14, Colossians 2 and 1 Corinthians 8.