Initial Discipleship and Sexual Holiness in Paul (original) (raw)

2022, Initial Discipleship and Sexual Holiness in Paul

This paper was presented at ETS in 2022 and argues that there is no evidence Paul mentioned sexual ethics in his evangelism in Acts. Furthermore, where he does mention sexual ethics in his letters, this is "in-house" language from a Christian apostle to people already Christian. However, he regularly reminds readers of his teaching in terms of sexual ethics especially in 1 Cor 6:9-11; Gal 5:19-21; and 1 Thess 4:1-8. As such, it stands to reason that sexual ethics and holiness was a key aspect of his discipleship of new converts. Hence, in these passages, he can refer back to his earlier teaching. This has implications for contemporary practice. First, we should not make sexual holiness a key aspect of our proclamation. Second, we should ensure new converts are instructed carefully and well concerning sexual holiness.

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