A Theologian

We’ve looked at the Apostle, Paul, from many angles already.  We’ve seen him set in his ways until God stopped him, blinded him, and helped him to see that Jesus is the Christ.  We’ve seen Paul move from a fire and brimstone preacher to a man who is an encourager.  We’ve watched as he transformed from approving of Steven’s martyrdom to mentoring Church leaders around the world.  Now, we get to look at Paul from yet another perspective: a theologian.

Gazing intently at the high council, Paul began: "Brothers, I have always lived before God with a clear conscience!" Instantly Ananias the high priest commanded those close to Paul to slap him on the mouth. But Paul said to him, "God will slap you, you corrupt hypocrite! What kind of judge are you to break the law yourself by ordering me struck like that?" Those standing near Paul said to him, "Do you dare to insult God's high priest?" "I'm sorry, brothers. I didn't realize he was the high priest," Paul replied, "for the Scriptures say, 'You must not speak evil of any of your rulers.'" (Acts 23:1-5 NLT)

Paul was what we would call today a Biblical Scholar.  His Scriptures only included what we call the Old Testament today, but, nevertheless, Paul knew his Scriptures.  Theologians, however, go beyond Biblical scholarship.  They learn the Scriptures and do the hard work involved in interpreting them well, too.  But Biblical Theologians go the step further to pull together all the Scriptures that speak to a specific topic.  Then, they boil it down to a picture that is easy for everyone to understand and remember.  Once they’ve done this, they teach it to help people see the picture – equipping them to read an understand the Scriptures as well.

Paul was a Biblical Theologian who was in trouble.  He was on trial for his faith that Jesus is the Christ.  The trial was before other Biblical Scholars and Jewish Church leaders of his day.  Things were not going well.  He already insulted the high priest.  Knowing this, Paul used theology to help get him out of his predicament.  He brought up a point of contention that divided the scholars and theologians of his day.

Paul realized that some members of the high council were Sadducees and some were Pharisees, so he shouted, "Brothers, I am a Pharisee, as were my ancestors! And I am on trial because my hope is in the resurrection of the dead!" This divided the council--the Pharisees against the Sadducees--for the Sadducees say there is no resurrection or angels or spirits, but the Pharisees believe in all of these. So there was a great uproar. Some of the teachers of religious law who were Pharisees jumped up and began to argue forcefully. "We see nothing wrong with him," they shouted. "Perhaps a spirit or an angel spoke to him." (Acts 23:6-9 NLT)

His theology helped him.  The division in the council got half of the group speaking in Paul’s defense.  Paul would live to preach another day.

How about you?  Do you like theology?  Is your theology (God-study) rooted in the Scriptures?  Would you know what scholars and theologians agree (and disagree) on today? Does it help you walk together with God?