Going Beyond What Is Written & Doing All In The Name of the Lord in Context

Jay Guin writes,

"We should consider the 'proof' text relied on to assert that authority is essential. The foremost proof text is 1 Cor. 4:6:"

Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, “Do not go beyond what is written.” Then you will not take pride in one man over against another.

Guin continues,

"What was Paul talking about? First Corinthians is likely the first of the New Testament books to have been written, so he obviously couldn’t have been referring to the New Testament as “what is written.” He wasn’t saying only do in worship those things exemplified in the New Testament, as there was no New Testament. In fact, we also often argue that special gifts of the Holy Spirit were granted in those days because the New Testament had not yet been completed, and so special guidance was required."

"Obviously, therefore, Paul is not referring to written instructions as to how to conduct the assembly. In fact, he’s not saying that the writings the Corinthians had are comprehensive and sufficient. They weren’t at that time. Rather, “what is written” is plainly a reference to the Old Testament, as most commentaries conclude. More precisely, it’s a reference to the Old Testament passages Paul had just quoted:"

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness” and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” So then, no more boasting about men! All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future--all are yours, and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God (1 Cor. 3:19-23).

"His point is to condemn the Corinthians’ letting themselves be judged by humans rather than by God and so being prideful over the others. Do not think you are better than others, for just as soon as you think that, God will judge you. Do not go beyond—do not think more highly of yourselves than what God has said. Don’t think you’re smarter than God! Don’t supplement God’s work to fill in the gaps. Don’t make yourself the judge of your fellow Christians. Don’t consider yourself superior because of your intellectual accomplishments!"

Guin continues,

"This passage goes further back to—1 Cor. 3:16-17:"

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple.

"“You yourselves” and “you” are both plural in the Greek, so that he is speaking of the congregation, not the Christian’s physical body. To destroy God’s temple is to destroy God’s congregation—a local church, and destruction is promised to those who divide the saved from the saved."

"Paul wisely discerns that the attitude that leads to division is pride in oneself, especially pride in one’s intellect. If you believe that you have to discern the silences of the Scriptures with perfect accuracy to go to heaven, then you’ve damned all those who can’t read the silences. Fortunately for you, you know which silences are bindings and which allow for expediency. You know which ones matter and which ones don’t. You claim a knowledge that goes far beyond what’s written, and this is a very dangerous thing indeed." (bold emph. mine, sp).

"The thing that is clearly condemned here is division—not disagreeing over how to dissect the spaces between the verses in the Bible. And it’s a cruel irony that we are dividing over the very verse that condemns division! A similar interpretation is offered by Coffman in his commentary on 1 Corinthians. He suggests Paul was saying: do not evaluate the words of men as on a parity with the words of God, that is, do not add to the Bible. Thus, do not make commands that God has not made."

"The lesson is much the same. If we presume to find commands in the silences, we are adding to the word of God, a very dangerous practice indeed. Therefore, when the Gospel Advocate damns instrumental churches for violating God’s “clear commands,” they’ve plainly added to the word of God. There is no command banning instrumental music, and so no “clear command” could have been violated. Therefore, the Gospel Advocate (and many others of our publications) has gone beyond that which is written. Sadly. Tragically."

COLOSSIANS 3:17

In a separate post, Guin writes:

"It’s certainly true that only God can prescribe religious truth. But it’s ludicrous to say we must have God’s approval for everything we do."

"I mean, I just ate a cookie. Did I need God’s permission? Where’s the command, example, or necessary inference (CENI) that authorizes me to eat a cookie? I just bought my wife a cookbook. Where’s the CENI for the author to write a cookbook? For me to buy it? On Amazon? I mean, “everything” is an awfully big word!"

"Where’s the CENI for space exploration? Or map making? Or capitalism? Or commercial banking? Or securitization of accounts receivable? For women to teach school? For democracy? For Christians to vote? For restaurants? For watching TV? For going to the movies?"

In response to an argument made by Dave Miller, Guin writes:

"Miller... starts with a classic argument of this genre:

If the Bible teaches anything, it teaches that all human beings are under obligation to submit to the authority of God and Christ. Paul articulates this extremely important principle in his letter to the Colossians: “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (3:17). What does the apostle mean by that statement? What is the meaning of the expression “in the name of the Lord”? (emphasis in original).

"Miller then argues that “in the name of the Lord” means “by the authority of the Lord” and so Col. 3:17 requires that literally everything a Christian does must have CENI authority. But this is a false reading of the scriptures. The passage says,

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (ESV)

"Plainly, “whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything” makes the point that Paul is discussing everything. “Whatever.” “In word or deed.” “Everything.” These are intentionally, redundantly all-inclusive. And, yes, each one includes eating cookies. And everything else I mentioned."

*I feel that it is important to call attention to dualism at this point. In order to justify a "book, chapter, and verse" (CENI) interpretation, one must compartmentalize "worship from the rest of life" to get around Guin's argument. It is also extremely important to understand that "singing" was part of the symposium or the second part of the ancient banquet (meal) assembly of the first century. Singing was not an "act of worship" separate from the rest of life, sp.

Guin continues,

"The phrase “in the name of” was ancient even in the First Century, going back to the Torah. The meaning is a bit elastic, and so we have to be careful to read without our preconceived notions of the meaning."

"It means “as a representative of” or “in honor of.”"

"If an explorer says, “I claim this land in the name of the Queen of England,” he means he’s claiming it as her agent, on her behalf. It’s by her authority, but not necessarily by her command or even with her permission. The explorer may well have no charter from the queen telling him to claim land on her behalf, but out of loyalty to his monarch, and knowing her desires, he may well claim the land in her name anyway."

"And so, it’s a mistake to confuse “as a representative of” with “following the command of.” They are two very different things."

"Consider these scriptural examples:"

(Deu 18:5) For the LORD thy God hath chosen [the priest] out of all thy tribes, to stand to minister in the name of the LORD, him and his sons for ever.

(Deu 21:5) The priests, the sons of Levi, shall step forward, for the LORD your God has chosen them to minister and to pronounce blessings in the name of the LORD and to decide all cases of dispute and assault.

"Here, the priests is acting as God’s representative but he’s also acting in God’s honor. But representation seems to be the primary sense."

"Or consider Levirate marriage–

(Deu 25:5-6 KJV) If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her husband’s brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of an husband’s brother unto her. And it shall be, that the firstborn which she beareth shall succeed in the name of his brother which is dead, that his name be not put out of Israel.

"The son conceived this way inherits as though a full son of the woman’s first husband. Hence, the phrase means either “in honor of” or “as a representative of.” It does not mean “by the authority of.” The passage isn’t saying that the widow must submit sexually to the brother because he has the deceased husband’s authority!"

(1 Ki 18:32) And with the stones he built an altar in the name of the LORD: and he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed.

(Psa 20:5) We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests.

"Here, it likely means “in honor of,” although it could mean “as representative of.” There’s no indication of any command from God to build that altar or to lift those banners. These deeds were done to God’s glory without a command!"

(Acts 16:18) She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so troubled that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her.

"Just so, the most natural reading is “as a representative of,” but “in honor of” or “to give glory to” works, as well. It does not mean, “Because I was command by.”"

(1 Cor 5:4) When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present,

"“In honor of” or “to give glory to” seems to work better here than “as a representative of,” although that could be the meaning as well. Finally, we get to Miller’s proof text:"

(Col 3:16-17) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

"It could mean “as a representative of Jesus,” but “to the glory of” or “in honor of” Jesus also works well, especially in light of the context. It does not mean “doing only that which has been commanded.”"

 CONCLUSION

Guin continues,

"Thus, the meaning is, whatever you do, do it to the glory of Jesus. Or “as a representative of” Jesus. In either case, the idea would be that we should always act in awareness that we represent Jesus to the world and so he’ll be judged by our conduct. We must therefore act to bring glory, not shame, to Jesus. It has nothing to do with having scriptural authority."

"It’s important to realize that I can live my entire life to the glory of Jesus. Everything there is, is good because Jesus made it and gives it. It’s HOW we use it that can make it wrong. Hence, I can marry and work and take vacations or whatever in ways that bring glory to Jesus — or not. It’s a matter of letting the Kingdom extend to all aspects of our lives — redeeming everything we touch — in the name of Jesus."

"If the translation were “do it all by the authority of the Lord Jesus,” it still wouldn’t mean “only do that which is authorized by the Lord Jesus,” as the grammar is, if you do it, do it in Jesus’ name — not only do what Jesus authorizes."

"To argue that “in the name of” means “as commanded by” or some such, Miller cites Acts 4:7-10:"

(Acts 4:7-10) .They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “… then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.

"Now, quite plainly, Peter is saying that the power of healing is from Jesus. But an idiomatically accurate translation would be that they’d healed “as representatives of Jesus Christ.” The question of having permission from Jesus or being commanded by Jesus really isn’t the point. Rather, the point is that the healing comes from Jesus and speaks of Jesus."

"To double check this conclusion, though, let’s look at the context, not just the phrase he emphasizes."

(Col 3:12-17) Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.

And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

"Verses 12-15 speak to how we are treat each other. They’re about getting along as the community of God. The section concludes with a command to be thankful. Verse 16, again addressing the community, tells us how to express our gratitude to God — through song. Finally, verse 17 continues the theme of gratitude, telling us that our gratitude should lead us to always act as representatives of Jesus."

*Again, song in the ancient world was not viewed as an "act of worship separate from the rest of life," it was part of their meal setting. Christians assembled for a "supper" or the Lord's Table (1 Cor. 10:21) and sang afterward (see Matt. 26:26-30, sp.

Guin concludes,

"In verses 18-22, Paul commands submission by wives, husbands, children, fathers, and slaves. He concludes,"

(Col 3:23-24) Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

"You can’t help but notice the parallel between verse 23′s “whatever you do” with verse 17′s “whatever you do.” In verse 23, Paul’s point is that we should work as though serving Jesus."

"Paul then offers additional counsel and concludes a few verses later,

(Col 4:5-6) Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

"Now, it would be quite a surprise in this context for Paul to say “only do those things authorized by Jesus.” He’s not limiting what people can do. Rather, he’s telling his readers how to live as Christians while doing what they are already doing. And that’s the theme of these verses, and that’s the meaning of verse 17, which is really the theme sentence of this all."

I really hope that Guin's comments and arguments help us to see more of the first century context of the Bible to God's glory. Christianity is a "way of life" that Jesus lived, not an organization with rules to control the body separating life from worship (Rom. 12:1).

In my view, it is error to compartmentalize "acts" of worship such as "song" from the context of the Lord's Supper which was a common meal and why Christians assembled (Acts 20:7, 11; 2:42-46) and which included song (Matt. 26:30). Christians live a way of life ("sacred" and "secular") in spirit and in truth (John 4:24) centering around the Lord's Table, not in a "religious institution" ruled by men's expediencies separated from the rest of life, sp.