If I Could Meet Someone From the Past…

Recently over dinner, a friend posed an excellent question for reflection: “If you could meet someone from the past, who would it be?” I had wrestled with this question before, but in this particular moment I knew exactly who I would want to converse with: the Apostle Paul.

My passion is to study, live, and teach God’s Word. And two of the most perennially perplexing problems in Bible study to me are both addressed by the Apostle Paul. I have some understanding of both of these subjects, but I long for the “Ah ha!” clarity that sometimes comes from a face-to-face dialogue with a master teacher on a difficult subject.

The first subject I would like to discuss with Paul is the relationship between my earthly citizenship and my heavenly citizenship. Both are biblical realities to be sure and I have responsibilities that accompany both citizenships. Undoubtedly Paul would say that our deepest allegiance is to our King Jesus, and that in matters of conflict between the two authorities we must obey God rather than men. Black and white situations are a gift from God, but so many situations in this arena seem to be shrouded in gray fog.

The second subject I would like to discuss with Paul is the law. Obviously he addresses this subject at great length in his writings, and yet despite the vast testimony (and maybe because of it?) I still have so many questions. (Given the seemingly endless amount of publications in biblical scholarship on this issue, it’s clear I’m not the only one with questions.) I believe the Westminster Divines have laid down a solid boardwalk upon which I may journey safely through the slough of writings on the subject. Indeed, chapter 19 of the Westminster Confession of Faith is the most succinct and helpful treatment of the subject I have ever read. And yet, questions remain.

It is a gift that I’m able to sit down and contemplate these two great subjects with Paul through the testimony of his New Testament writings, in the company of the Holy Spirit along with published brothers and sisters from various ages of the Church. But what a privilege it would be to go through the texts together face-to-face and consider how to most faithfully serve our Lord and express our love to Him.