Ethics, well known as moral philosophy is what recommends the concepts of wrong or right conducts. Ethics has been ranked into three major areas of study namely meta-ethics, normative ethics and applied ethics. Paul joins theology and ethics and insists that none can exist without the other (Harrington et al., 2010). The ontology of ethics further explains that non-descriptivist and non-cognitivism thinkers have a belief named the anti-realist position and have no position in explaining what ethics is. This essay aims at explaining what ethics is and the theological basis on which Paul derives his understanding of ethics. Further, this essay will give scriptural evidences and texts about Paul’s ethics.
Paul states that the Bible is honored because it carries Christian ethics and the ethics are not only for moral teachings, but also for the provision of an appreciation of the early Christians’ communal life. A theological basis from which Paul bases his understanding of ethics is the Pentateuch. The Pentateuch is well known as the Ten Commandments and prohibits worship of other Gods, unworthy use of the divine name, require respect of parents, prohibit killing, prohibit adultery, and prohibit stealing and covetous attitudes.
The prophets are another theological basis on which Paul derives his understanding of ethics. Some of the evident samples of understanding ethics among the prophets are concern for the poor, condemnation of unethical business practices, a morality of inwardness and an emerging sense of individual moral responsibility (Horrell, D. G. 2005.)
The wisdom literature is a theological basis that Paul uses to understand ethics. The books are pervaded by simplistic views of virtue and reward especially the Proverbs. The letter of James is also a basis whereby wisdom traditions are alive, and there is an end-of-time type of reward.
Finally, scriptural evidences and discontents about Paul’s ethics in the book of Elwell and Yarborough range from Paul’s date of birth, Paul’s place of birth and Paul’s place of residence. Paul’s exact date of birth is unknown, but he is said to have been born within a decade of Jesus’ birth. Paul’s birthplace is said not to be land that Christ walked although the place is not stated. Paul is also not understood to have lived in Jerusalem or not. It is just argued that Paul may have moved to Jerusalem for purposes of education, but his family’s residence is not told.
References
Harrington, D. J., & Keenan, J. F. (2010). Paul and virtue ethics: Building bridges between New Testament studies and moral theology. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield
Horrell, D. G. (2005). Solidarity and difference: A contemporary reading of Paul's ethics. London [u.a.: T&T Clark International.
