If you interpret it wrongly to say works are necessary than you have to discount all of Romans as false and many other scriptures. As I've said many times scripture must be interpreted so that it all agrees, otherwise you have misunderstood.
Read Romans 13:1-6 and tell me Paul was not a crackpot or a Roman agent. If a witness once gives provable false testimony his testimony is no longer accepted.
What the hell are you talking about false testimony? You know what I took from those verses? I'll translate. Those in charge are in charge by God's will so don't be unnecessarily rebellious. I did not take it that it was necessary to follow an ungodly ruler. I assume Paul took that as a given because not having to follow an ungodly ruler is clearly spelled out in other scripture. Paul is just assuming that he doesn't have to explain what anyone who knows scripture should know.
Maybe he was writing satire? Otherwise that is indefensible. I think he may have been both a crackpot and a Roman agent. The two are not mutually exclusive.
How is it indefensible? What exactly do you think those passages say? Just say it in your own words. I don't want your opinion about what it says. I want you to tell me what you think those passages say. I would honestly like to know why you have any problem with them.
I think those passages say exactly what they say. I don't need to paraphrase them. And unless Paul (or whoever wrote it) was writing satire those 6 verses discredit Paul completely. Read it yourself from several translations. It is clear what he is saying.
By the way. As per WhiteTail's inquiry I'm studying up on the 613 Jewish laws/rules. I'm in the clear on most of them. I did fall short by marrying a Gentile but at least she was born female and is not a relative. I haven't yet gotten around to stoning sex criminals, and I did lend a member of my tribe some money at interest once. So I got to straighten up on a few things.
Last edited by Hastings; 05/08/23. Reason: added last paragraph
Patriotism (and religion) is the last refuge of a scoundrel. Jesus: "Take heed that no man deceive you." Hebrew Roots Judaizer
