John, what do you think Paul was forgetting here from the past? His actions pre-conversion? I've struggled with this passage as there are things I remember from my past that give me hope. Some things bring shame and guilt. And recently, as I've spent time on the street it's been too easy to revisit those days of my youth. Thoughts?
My opinion is that he is remembering all the things he thought were so important at one time ... (3:5-7 "circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ." This things were vital to his identity, but now, they are left behind as he follows Christ.
I agree that there are things in the past we want to remember, and some thing we do do not. I think Paul's overall point is that what he thought was so valuable before Christ is now valueless and to be forgotten. I think it's a specific effort to point to Christ. He certainly does not want to forget totally because he continues to visit the synagogue, to observe some Jewish practices, and remember the Hebrew Scriptures. Christ, however, is above all of that in importance. That's my thought about this interesting passage!
Thank you. Yes, I was thinking specifically of his work as a terror to Christ followers, but agreed. There are some things I believe we need to remember.
John, what do you think Paul was forgetting here from the past? His actions pre-conversion? I've struggled with this passage as there are things I remember from my past that give me hope. Some things bring shame and guilt. And recently, as I've spent time on the street it's been too easy to revisit those days of my youth. Thoughts?
My opinion is that he is remembering all the things he thought were so important at one time ... (3:5-7 "circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ." This things were vital to his identity, but now, they are left behind as he follows Christ.
I agree that there are things in the past we want to remember, and some thing we do do not. I think Paul's overall point is that what he thought was so valuable before Christ is now valueless and to be forgotten. I think it's a specific effort to point to Christ. He certainly does not want to forget totally because he continues to visit the synagogue, to observe some Jewish practices, and remember the Hebrew Scriptures. Christ, however, is above all of that in importance. That's my thought about this interesting passage!
Thank you. Yes, I was thinking specifically of his work as a terror to Christ followers, but agreed. There are some things I believe we need to remember.