Hi Walter –
Didn't Jesus and the Apostle Paul tell us not to listen to the traditions of men who spoke different words that superseded The Original Teachings of Christ and the Bible ?
That question highlights the whole point of the argument of context.
I have contended here over deliberate alterations to the text of the New World Translation to bring the translation in line with a man-made tradition.
I am not about to rehearse those argumenbts. Simply that JWs declare their traditions are true, and others are wrong.
As will every other denomination, in defence of their own position.
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The
idea that Scripture explains itself is, also, a tradition of man – a staple of the Reformation, but never was that meant to imply the interpretation of Scripture was a matter of personal discernment.
St Paul argues for the different gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12 – but here I would suggest the reading makes it plain that the gifts are given to the one for the benefit of all, the community being one, "many members but one body" (eg 12:20).
"27And you are the Anointed’s body and partial members, 28 and God has indeed assigned persons their place in the assembly: apostles first,
prophets second,
teachers third, then feats of power, then the gracious gifts of healings, aids, governances, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all feats of power? 30 Do all have graces bestowed for healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But be zealous for greater gifts of grace." (12:27-31)
I do not claim any such grace, nor dare I, but I do rest and trust in the experience, wisdom and insight of the upholders of the ancient traditions, and the wider community of scholars ... rather than rely purely on my own intellect and intuitions – I have been wrong, and I am not infallible.
"And we charge you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother walking disorderly, and not according to the tradition which they have received of us." (2 Thessalonians 3:6)
But I speak for me ... we must all walk the path as we see best, in faith and in the hope God will see us home.
