Paul Was A Widow?

[Christian Mormon]

Where in the Bible does it say Paul was widow?

[TAO]

It says something to the likes of 'I say this not as a commandment, but I wish all were like myself'. I don't think he was a widow, but rather unmarried. Not sure though.

[thesometimesaint]

The Scriptures are unclear as to his marital status, But it is entirely possible he was a widower. Early death was quite common particularly to women and children of that time period.

[Duncan]

I had heard a theory too he was suicidal , as in "my desire is to depart" Phil. 1:23-obviously suicidal means that you are actively taking steps to do yourself a mischief and then there is thinking about it but not doing anything about it

[NEDRA]

Paul wasn't a widow.

Widows are women. He was most likely a widower.

[ERayR]

I had heard a theory too he was suicidal , as in "my desire is to depart" Phil. 1:23-obviously suicidal means that you are actively taking steps to do yourself a mischief and then there is thinking about it but not doing anything about it

Just because he was looking forward to the day he could be with the Savior does not mean he was suicidal.

[Duncan]

Just because he was looking forward to the day he could be with the Savior does not mean he was suicidal.

that's why it's just a theory!

[ERayR]

that's why it's just a theory!

From my reading of Paul's writings it is not a very good theory.

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

Where in the Bible does it say Paul was widow?

I thought he was divorced, but yes he was previously married before entering the being called as an Apostle.

[Damien the Leper]

I thought he was divorced, but yes he was previously married before entering the being called as an Apostle.

CFR, please. From the Bible would be best.

[Damien the Leper]

Spong makes an argument that Paul was a self loathing homosexual. I've read that argument several times and I 100% disagree.

[volgadon]

Spong makes an argument that Paul was a self loathing homosexual. I've read that argument several times and I 100% disagree.

I bet it has as much support and basis in reality as claiming that he was a self-loathing Homeric poet-wannabe. Never been particularly impressed with Spong's historical efforts.

[ERayR]

Spong makes an argument that Paul was a self loathing homosexual. I've read that argument several times and I 100% disagree.

CFR, please. From the Bible would be best.

[volgadon]

CFR, please. From the Bible would be best.

He already provided the reference and his disagreement with it. Here is a link, if interested. http://www.nytimes.com/1991/02/02/nyregion/was-st-paul-gay-claim-stirs-fury.html

[ERayR]

He already provided the reference and his disagreement with it. Here is a link, if interested. http://www.nytimes.c...stirs-fury.html

My writing sometimes gets behind my thinking and wanders. I was going to ask for a link not a reference. Cut and past works fine when you stay on track and finish the changes. Sorry.

[Damien the Leper]

I bet it has as much support and basis in reality as claiming that he was a self-loathing Homeric poet-wannabe. Never been particularly impressed with Spong's historical efforts.

I have not either. Spong reaches and overstates his case too much. I applaud him for his social justice activism but more often than not I'm thinking "Where does he get this crap?"

[Damien the Leper]

CFR, please. From the Bible would be best.

Read my post again, Ray.

I believe the book was "The Sin of Scripture". What exactly do you want from me?

Edited December 27, 2012 by Valentinus

[ERayR]

Read my post again, Ray.

I believe the book was "The Sin of Scripture". What exactly do you want from me?

Sorry see my post above.

[Damien the Leper]

Sorry see my post above.

No worries. I believe the book I cited is correct but I'd need to recheck. Sorry for being snarky.

[DH]

I had heard a theory too he was suicidal , as in "my desire is to depart" Phil. 1:23-obviously suicidal means that you are actively taking steps to do yourself a mischief and then there is thinking about it but not doing anything about it

Actively taking steps to do yourself in would be attempted suicide. Thinking about suicide, but not taking steps to actually do it, is suicidal ideation. Some people are not happy with their lives, and wish they could die or kill themselves, but for whatever reasons don't go forward with it.

It's possible that Paul suffered from suicidal ideation, but I can't think of any way to verify that without more information. Maybe the thorn in his side was something entirely different. We just don't know.

[ERayR]

Actively taking steps to do yourself in would be attempted suicide. Thinking about suicide, but not taking steps to actually do it, is suicidal ideation. Some people are not happy with their lives, and wish they could die or kill themselves, but for whatever reasons don't go forward with it.

It's possible that Paul suffered from suicidal ideation, but I can't think of any way to verify that without more information. Maybe the thorn in his side was something entirely different. We just don't know.

Why can't we just take Paul at face value. He was an ardent follower of Jesus Christ. He had a firm testimony of the Gospel and was a sure of the blessings of heaven. His writings to me express the certainty of his testimony and his desire to partake of those blessings. He perhaps at times wished for their speedy fulfillment. I do not detect any suicidal thoughts at all.

Edited December 27, 2012 by ERayR

[Damien the Leper]

Why can't we just take Paul at face value. He was an ardent follower of Jesus Christ. He had a firm testimony of the Gospel and was a sure of the blessings of heaven. His writings to me express the certainty of his testimony and his desire to partake of those blessings. He perhaps at times wished for their speedy fulfillment. I do not detect any suicidal thoughts at all.

Nor do I. I see a committed and fervent missionary who gets frustrated.

[EllenMaksoud]

Where in the Bible does it say Paul was widow?

Widower.

[Damien the Leper]

Widower.

That's already been established.

[EllenMaksoud]

That's already been established.

Sorry, I intruded.