Friday, August 31, 2012

1Corinthians 15:50

"Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God." (1Corinthians 15:50)
 
The phrase "flesh and blood" is found in four of the canonical Epistles of Paul. It is found in 1Corinthians 15:50 stated above, as well as Galatians 1:16, Ephesians 6:12, and the disputed epistle of Hebrews 2:14. Three of the above epistles are said to have been contained in Marcion's Apostolikon. The first Catholic writer to mention this passage and argue about it is Irenaeus of Lyon. The phrase "flesh and blood" can be found in his Against Heresies book 2.22.6, 3.13.2, 3.18.4, 4.17.2, and extensively in book 5. Book 5 is where he first quotes it and makes his arguments. Book 5 is thought to have been written around 180 AD. In chapters 1.2, 9.1, 9.4, 10.1, 10.2, 11.1, 11.2, 12.3, 13.2, 13.5, 14.1, 14.2, and 14.4 he uses the phrase.

Irenaeus specifically quotes this passage in book 5, chapters 9.1, 9.4, 10.1-2, 11.1-2, 13.2, and 13.5.

Clement of Rome, Justin, all the minor writers of the 2nd century, all the apologists of the 2nd century, Polycarp, Papias, Hegesippus, and Ignatius never bother to once mention the passage. Althought Ignatius' letter to the Smyrnaeans uses the phrase. Ignatius supposedly dealt with Docetists and Justin supposedly refuted Marcion yet they know nothing of this pro-docetic passage. Polycarp, Clement, and Ignatius are supposedly followers of Paul yet know nothing of this passage!

History of the passage in transmission from Irenaeus to the Council of Nicaea:

1. Irenaeus of Lyon- Against Heresies book 5
2. Clement of Alexandria- Stromata book 2 ch. 20
3. Tertullian of Carthage- Against Marcion book 5 ch. 14, 20; On the Resurrection of the flesh ch. 48-49, (and 50-51)
4. Origen of Alexandria- Against Celsus ch. 19
5. Archelaus- ch. 40
6. Methodius- Discourse on the Resurrection pt. 1 ch. 13, pt. 3 ch. 5-6

The Nag Hammadi scriptures: (direct quotes)
1. Gospel of Philip
2. Exegesis on the soul

(in the spirit of the anti-Catholic argument)
1. Treatise on the Resurrection
2. Testimony of Truth
3. Coptic Apocalypse of Peter
4. Second Treatise of the Great Seth

Other Apologetic writings on Resurrection:
1. Justin Martyr- On the Resurrection
2. Athenagoras- On the Resurrection of the dead
3. Tertullian- On the Resurrection of the flesh

Other sources:
1. The Talmud
2. The works of Josephus
3. Epistle of the Apostles
4. 3Corinthians

In later posts I will give exact quotations from the above works to illustrate the argument that began in the time of Anicetus at Rome between Valentinians, Carpocratians, Marcionites, and Catholics.

1 comment:

  1. The gospel of Philip Some are afraid lest they rise naked. Because of this they wish to rise in the flesh, and they do not know that it is those who wear the flesh who are naked. It is those who [...] to unclothe themselves who are not naked. "Flesh and blood shall not inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Co 15:50). What is this which will not inherit? This which is on us. But what is this, too, which will inherit? It is that which belongs to Jesus and his blood. Because of this he said "He who shall not eat my flesh and drink my blood has not life in him" (Jn 6:53). What is it? His flesh is the word, and his blood is the Holy Spirit. He who has received these has food and he has drink and clothing. I find fault with the others who say that it will not rise. Then both of them are at fault. You say that the flesh will not rise. But tell me what will rise, that we may honor you. You say the Spirit in the flesh, and it is also this light in the flesh. (But) this too is a matter which is in the flesh, for whatever you shall say, you say nothing outside the flesh. It is necessary to rise in this flesh, since everything exists in it. In this world, those who put on garments are better than the garments. In the Kingdom of Heaven, the garments are better than those that put them on.

    ReplyDelete