Quote:
Originally Posted by Thankful Jane
Hi Peter,
Here are two possibilities I see for the difference in the scope of accountability:
In the letter to Pergamos, it says “thou hast there them that hold the doctrine....” The Greek word “hast” means “to hold” and implies accompanying and following. The whole church was holding to these men and their teachings, so they were all implicated.
Thankful Jane
|
Jane:
I will ponder further your second point and respond soon. I just don't see the first point. I don't think a translation of "to hold" enables the distinction between the situation of the two churches. I don't see the implications you do. It says "thou has there them that hold the doctrine..." Other translations say, "there are
some who hold..." and still others, "you have there those who hold..."
Why not just say, "I have a few things against you: that you hold to the doctrine..." - similar to the construction and broad scope of the admonition to the Ephesions: "You [all of them - the whole church] have left your first love..." The constrcution of "you have some/those/ones..." doesn't carry the same scope - i.e. that they all - each and every one - held to the doctrine.
Nevertheless, the Spirit held them accountable. Thus, I think the distinction is more about the
nature of the doctrine versus the enticing of Jezabel in Thyatira.
Still, I just don't see the distinction, yet. I found Matt's description of the teaching of Balaam compelling. But it could be condensed down to: the teaching was something that
enticed the children of Israel. But put that way, I have an even harder time distinguishing it from the
enticing of Jezabel.
Thoughts?
Peter