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1.what Really Did Paul Mean by Works?

The document discusses the historical contexts of Paul and James' discussions on works and faith. [1] Paul was combating those who claimed observance of Mosaic law was necessary for salvation, rather than faith in Christ. [2] James spoke about works in a community where indifference and lack of charity were issues, emphasizing that faith requires demonstration through works like helping the poor. [3] Understanding the historical contexts is key to reconciling what Paul and James said about faith and works, rather than viewing them as contradictory.

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86 views

1.what Really Did Paul Mean by Works?

The document discusses the historical contexts of Paul and James' discussions on works and faith. [1] Paul was combating those who claimed observance of Mosaic law was necessary for salvation, rather than faith in Christ. [2] James spoke about works in a community where indifference and lack of charity were issues, emphasizing that faith requires demonstration through works like helping the poor. [3] Understanding the historical contexts is key to reconciling what Paul and James said about faith and works, rather than viewing them as contradictory.

Uploaded by

Melkam
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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From the get go if we can put these two texts, they are not contradictory rather they

complement each other. When we put them into the original context, we have to first ask in what

setting do these writers tried to convey their message. If our approach is devoid of contextual

analysis we run in to a perilous mistake or misunderstanding. For a “text without a context is a

pretext”.

1.What really did Paul mean by works?

when Paul speaks of works in his letter to Romans and Galatians he is referring to

fulfilling Mosaic laws. As we know from the old testament if one is not circumcised as

prescribed in the law he is not among a people favored by God, or observances of religious laws

and dietary rules are mandatory to Judaic salvation understanding.

2. what really did James mean by works?

When we come to James good works are necessary, for without them we will not be justified, If

I said for example the room you were in was about to blow up in one minute, and you believed me,

desired to live, and were physically able to leave, you would hurry to exit. True faith would lead to

works! Leaving the room would be the result of your faith and at the same time the fruit of your work

which saved your life from getting burned. And the same holds true that James’s which he implied faith

expressed through work is a means whereby one is assured of salvation.

Paul’s historical context in which he has spoken about works of the law

Paul was combating with Judaizers those who claim to parallel observances of Mosaic

law with the gospel message .Paul wanted to underline the salivation that comes through Christ

which we embraced by faith is far more greater or even beyond than observing mosaic Laws. So,

its not about merely cutting foreskin or not as a means to access salvation.
In fact, Paul was not against circumcision for instance he urged Timothy to get circumcised

because Timothy was Jew by his Maternal decent. Not to be saved but to keep the law which

comprise as a part of Jewish people. So, Paul was tediously combating with those who believe

and forcing others to believe that to accept and fulfill the Mosaic Law as a mandatory

requirement of salvation. So, this was the context in which Paul has spoken about works of the

law and salvation.

James historical context in which he has spoken about works of the law

In the community to which James has addressed his latter there was different social

stratum i.e. poor and the rich. Indifferentism was raining in that community, people were not

helping each other fraternally; so, St. James insisted on faith manifested through fraternal

gestures mainly in charity. Paul himself is in favor of charity by which Christians carry out their

duty of discipleship. This can also be found in Paul’s letter to Corinthians where Christians have

the duty of thinking and sharing the burdens of their fellow brothers and sisters.

Therefore, if we don’t take in account such historical contexts, we are inevitably doomed

to view this two Apostles diametrically separated ones and Apostles of two different independent

doctrinal teacher. Contextual approach is indispensably important in understanding the message

of every biblical text. Even today this message gives as a direction to clearly discern what

importantly takes precedence over one to the other that is culture or gospel.

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