1 Cor 15:2, EIKHi EPISTEUSATE

CEP7 at aol.com CEP7 at aol.com
Sat Mar 4 14:36:35 EST 2000



In a message dated 3/4/2000 11:17:46 AM, dixonps at juno.com writes:

<< Not only do John and James entertain the possibilities of 
a belief in (EIS) Christ or a belief in God not associated with
regeneration (2:23-24, 5:44/12:42-43; and James 2:14-24, 
respectively), but Paul, as well, seems to refer strongly to
such a possibility.

In 1 Cor 15:2 he says, DI' OU KAI SWZESQE, TINI LOGWi
EUHGGELISAMHN hUMIN EI KATECETE, EKTOS EI MH
EIKHi EPISTEUSATE.

The phrase EKTOS EI MH EIKHi EPISTEUSATE suggests
rather strongly that is it possible to believe in vain.  If not,
then Paul's words here mean nothing.

At this point, we might want to be asking, what is the
difference between believing in vain and believing not
in vain. >>

There are several issues at stake here. The first is syntactical. Should 
EKTOS EI MH EIKHi EPISTEUSATE be connected to EI KATECETE or DI' OU KAI 
SWZESQE. If the the latter, there are two possible meanings for EIKHi 
EPISTEUSATE. First, it could mean not believing in the resurrection as in 
15:12-18. Second, it could mean not continuing to to believe. This latter 
meaning would certainly be the meaning if EKTOS EI MH EIKHi EPISTEUSATE is 
connected to EI KATECETE. The protasis and the apodosis are in a relationship 
of equivalence (Holding fast = not believing in vain). In this case, 
believing in vain would refer to ceasing to believe. So it would be a 
question of he duration of faith. The other possible meaning would refer to 
the content of faith. Either way, there is a deficiency both in noticia and 
assensia, not simply fiducia.

Charles Powell
DTS
cep7 at aol.com



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