When dealing with controversial issues, we often read Paul with the question in mind, “Does Paul say we should or shouldn’t DO this?”

I think this is the wrong question. Remember, Paul usually theologizes before he directs his audience to action.

Paul is always first about WHAT we think and HOW we think.

(And if we’re completely honest, we usually care less about what Paul thinks we should or shouldn’t do. We care more about finding a way to corner some of his statements so that they agree with what we already want.)

Why is “Does Paul say we should or shouldn’t DO this?” the wrong question? Because Paul is always first about WHAT we think and HOW we think.

If he can change the way we think, he also changes the way that we act.