So the question that I like to toss around with my fellow church-goers is "Why were the Pharisees a target but the tax collectors weren't?" And therefore what is the proper application to today.
Three possibilities (there could be others):
* Because the Pharisees were religious and the tax collectors weren't - Application: We call out Christians for bad behavior but not secularists, because Christians deserve correction and non-Christians only deserve mercy.
* Because the Pharisees were claiming to speak for God - Application: Again, Christians who are not living up to the gospel should be called out but secularists left alone.
* Because the Pharisees were wealthy and powerful and influential - Application: The dominant cultural forces and persona deserve the loud condemnation whereas your average beaten down sinner does not need it.
Brilliant post. I have enjoyed following your biblical exegesis series thus far. Hope you will continue a bit longer.
I plan to finish Matthew, but I don't know what will be next. Probably either Hebrews or 1 Samuel.
Hear! Hear!
So the question that I like to toss around with my fellow church-goers is "Why were the Pharisees a target but the tax collectors weren't?" And therefore what is the proper application to today.
Three possibilities (there could be others):
* Because the Pharisees were religious and the tax collectors weren't - Application: We call out Christians for bad behavior but not secularists, because Christians deserve correction and non-Christians only deserve mercy.
* Because the Pharisees were claiming to speak for God - Application: Again, Christians who are not living up to the gospel should be called out but secularists left alone.
* Because the Pharisees were wealthy and powerful and influential - Application: The dominant cultural forces and persona deserve the loud condemnation whereas your average beaten down sinner does not need it.