Quote:
Originally Posted by OBW
In 1 Cor 11:17-34, Paul is not talking about positive reasons for divisions, or factions.
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Actually, the key may be even simpler than either you or I considered.
The term commonly translated "sects" in 11:19 is "αἵρεσις, hairesis," opinions, schools of thought.
In other words, Paul disapprovingly says he believes there are
divsions (σχίσμα schisma) in verse 17, which doesn't surprise him because there need to be different
opinions (αἵρεσις, hairesis) so that "the approved" may be manifest. Hope in the past has kind of hinted that something like this may be in these verses but I don't recall him actually articulating it.
Thus, 1 Cor. 11:17-19 is actually a strong antidote to the one-speaking doctrines that have grown up in the Local Church in recent years. Paul is endorsing diversity of
opinion in the context of condemning
divisiveness as a balancing word that might prevent what LSM has become.
We know that the Body of Christ incorporates those who do not consent to a one-publication rule in part because we know that the Body of Christ incorporates the assemblies in Asia in Rev. 2-3 although "all in Asia left" Paul. Rejecting the "unique minister of the age" did not terminate any "status" as an assembly. Why? Because, just as Paul says here, there
must be different opinions that we may recognize who is "approved." (Eventually, I think we all know that Paul became manifestly "approved.") That said, such opinions must
not become the basis for division, although it is altogether too common and predictable a result.
At least, that's
my opinion...