I was pleased to be sent this thread by a site I follow, called Catholic Answers, as it gives a good explanation of 1 Cor 4:6.  Also, was glad to have the commentary on 1Thess 2:13; 2Thess 2:15; 3:6.  I knew these verses existed but had been unable to find them because I couldn't remember which book they were in.    http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=804806   Jul 11, '13, 9:47 pm

Fr. Eric Filmer Apologist Join Date: May 16, 2013 Location: CAF Posts: 37 Religion: Catholic

Re: Does 1 Corinthians 4:6 teach Sola Scriptura? Although the definition and application of Sola Scriptura ("Scripture alone") can differ among its adherents, the following seems to be a useful working definition: Quote: Scripture is the Church's only infallible and sufficient rule for deciding issues of faith and practices that involve doctrines. While the Bible does not contain all knowledge, it does contain that which is necessary for salvation. Indeed, if something is not found in Scripture, it is not binding upon the believer. (Source: Theopedia) A Sola Scriptura interpretation of First Corinthians 4:6 goes way beyond what the full context of the epistle shows or supports. In 1Cor 1:10-17, Paul tells the Corinthians that he is worried about dissention among them. He then elaborates at length on avoiding the dangers of self-conceit by focusing on the wisdom of God and the power of Christ. Within this section of the epistle, Paul makes the following comments (and I will add emphasis): 1Cor 1:19 - "For it is written, 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the cleverness of the clever I will thwart'." (Here he quotes Isaiah 29:14) 1Cor 1:31 - "…as it is written, 'Let him who boasts, boast of the Lord'." (Here he quotes Jeremiah 9:24) 1Cor 3:19-20 - "For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, 'He catches the wise in their craftiness,' and again, 'The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile'." (Here he quotes Job 5:13 and Psalm 94:11) Therefore, three times Paul states, "It is written…" followed by teachings from the Bible which (generally speaking) tell one to humble oneself in the sight of God. And now we come to the passage in question: 1Cor 4:6 "I have applied all this to myself and Apol'los for your benefit, brethren, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another." What does Paul mean when he tells the Corinthians “not to go beyond what is written"? The full context of chapters 1-4 of First Corinthians shows that he is simply reminding them about the three prior instances when he related what "is written" (i.e., 1Cor 1:19, 31; 3:19-20). Those who deem themselves wise, exalting themselves and causing dissension, go "beyond what is written" in the Bible concerning proper humble behavior. Paul clarifies this himself with the “puffed up" comment. This is a translation of the Greek word physioō which “…was common in Hellenistic rhetoric where it was used to characterize those whose self-conceit was such that it led to partisanship” (Raymond Collins, Sacra Pagina, Vol. 7: First Corinthians [The Liturgical Press: Collegeville, Minnesota, 1999], 177; see the full text for examples). Additional clarification stems from Paul's statement about acting "...in favor of one against the other" as this refers to the dissension described in 1Cor 1:10-11. In terms of the idea that Paul is instead making a Sola Scriptura statement in 1Cor 4:6, consider the following insight: Quote: Interpretations of this verse that suggest Paul is restricting the basis for Christian doctrine and morals to what is explicitly set forth in the books of the Bible (sola scriptura) are misleading and untenable. Nothing in the context points to such a broad concern, and in any case Paul insists elsewhere that even the inspired preaching of the apostles is on a par with the written word of God (1Thess 2:13; 2Thess 2:15; 3:6). (Scott Hahn, Curtis Mitch, The Ignatius Study Bible: The New Testament [Ignatius Press: San Francisco], 289) Simply put, Paul is addressing Christian behavior, not the formulation of Christian doctrine. Interpreting 1Cor 4:6 as a Sola Scriptura statement "goes beyond" what Paul actually wrote. __________________ God bless, Fr. Eric Filmer