To help, readers of the Bible, who are not church oriented, to understand the confusion you get when reading Pauls writings when compared to reading Jesus words or the past PROPHETS WORDS.

The reason it doesnt mesh and doesnt match up together is that Paul waqs not speaking en cathedral, but on his own. This is why there are so many church apologetic writings, trying to make them conform when they dont. Paul's writings are worth reading, if you understand he is not speaking THUS SAITH THE LORD. And you have to understand, he loved hierarchical status, and levels of the priesthood, rather than direct communication with the Lord. This is why the church system took over from the early Christians who individually were responsible to the Lord and hearing from the Lord.

Paul disciples built the church system, and demanded allegiance to the local, regional and national hierarchy.... IE control over thoughts and actions of the flock.

Paul just couldnt get away from LAW and HOLINESS. He tried to write about Grace and LIBERATION but just couldnt be convinced
Jesus LOVE would be sufficient to keep and inspire and direct the followers, so established old law dictates, dress, sexuality or lack thereof. etc etc etc etc...

Paul was a great disciple in getting out of Jerusalem and getting out the Salvation message about Jesus, but fell short with His letters. He was quite the courageous missionary and feisty and brave, but his letters fell short of the MARK

Study Jesus words, and HIS Prophets words as the WORD, and yet for background you can read the rest.

IHS

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