the Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 14:38; But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.?

Question

if this is the case then why cant bible followers just allow people to do so in their own beliefs.

Answer 1

What are you suggesting, that God's people be silent? That is not the instruction of God, Jesus, Paul or any other writer of the Bible.

Rather, Jesus instructed, "Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops" (Mt 10:27). The two are not incompatible. An example might help to understand what Paul was saying.

Paul and Barnabas went to Antioch in Pisidia and preached the Word of God. But the Jews opposed them. Therefore, "they shook off the dust from their feet against them," (Acts 13:51). This was a sign of accepting that these people were content in their ignorance, and from then on Paul and Barnabas were not going to try to teach them the truth.

So, it is certainly in your right to remain ignorant if that is your choice. But that does not preclude anyone from continuing to preach the truth to all those who want to hear it. God doesn't force anyone to accept his right way of life, but neither is he going to remain silent for the sake of those who still want to know the truth.

If you don't want to hear or read it, don't listen or read. No one is forcing you to do so.

But your attitude is one that you don't want anyone to hear the truth; that you want people to believe as you do without the choice. If you want to remain ignorant, remain ignorant. But you have no right to stop others from seeking and hearing the truth.

Answer 2

If you will read the WHOLE chapter, and not just this one verse, you will see the reason for ignorance. This whole chapter speaks about spiritual gifts, focusing on tongues towards the end of this chapter. In verse 36, Paul says, "What? Did the word of God come out of you? Or did it come to you only?" He was asking if you were the only one that the word of God came to or from. He wanted to make them aware that God spoke to others, not just those Paul was speaking to. In verse 37, Paul says, "If any man think of himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write to you are the commandments of the Lord." He's telling everyone that he's getting all his information from the word of God, which is the final authority for all believers. Then, in verses 38 through 40, Paul wraps up the chapter, and his point; "But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. Wherefore, brothers, desire to prophecy, and do not forbid anyone to speak in tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order." He tells everyone that some people will be ignorant (without knowledge or understanding) of the truth, and some will learn. He goes on to say that no one should forbid tongues to be spoken, and that everything that's done be done decently, with order. Back in verse 33, Paul says, "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." The reason for all the confusion isn't because God caused it, but is often because of people's misinterpretation of Scripture. Oh, and for the gal who said that Paul wasn't an apostle and hadn't met Jesus...I beg to differ. Read Acts 9, and see where Saul becomes Paul, a follower or apostle, of Jesus. See especially verse 15, where Jesus stated Paul's commission to be "His chosen vessel to bear His name before the Gentiles, kings and the children of Isreal", which would be everyone. Now, in answer to this question...if you heard of a great cure for cancer, how many people would you tell? How about diabetes? Or a spinal cord injury? How about a book that would help you find peace and meaning in your life? You wouldn't stay still if you had all this information, would you? Or maybe I'm wrong. There ARE some who DO have all this information, yet remain quiet, thinking they've got THEIR fire insurance, so everyone else can go to hell (literally). Listen, if Christians all remained quiet about their faith, and the reason for the peace that's within them, the Bible says that the rocks would cry out with this message. It's just impossible to remain silent when you've got such a wonderful treasure. You just gotta share it with those around you. Yeah, I agree that some just don't know much about how they share, and use a 90 pound Bible to whack you upside the head while trying to make their point. That turns me off too. But dude, I just can't sit here and read all the slams against the Savior of my soul. It's just not happening. It's worse than someone calling your mama bad names, or dissin' your car, music or clothing. Lastly, there are many who do like you've done. They take one verse, then say, "How about THIS?" Well, I can do the same thing with one verse, and it would be very confusing, unless you read the before and after. Take one paragraph out of any book, and it would be the same. It's not fair to the whole book. See what I'm saying? I understand where you're coming from too. Been there, done that, back in the day. Hope this helped you even a little bit. Have a great day. <*)))><

Answer 3

once they hear the good news of the Kingdom of God, they make a choice; listen or "be ignorant"
their choice is their own free will and they choose their destiny
they can go the way of those who choose mans self-rule
or they can choose God's Kingdom rule
it is a choice that has no in-between but it is a choice every one must be presented with
Matthew 24:14
Luke 4:43
Luke 10:1-3
Acts 5:42
Acts 8:4
Acts 20:20
1 Corinthians 9:16
Romans 10:15
2 Timothy 4:2-5
Matthew 4:23a
Matthew 9:35a
Luke 9:6a
1 Peter 2:21

agape!

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Answer 4

personally I only share with people who are open to it. the teachings of the Bible are the central reason i do the things I do and feel the way I feel. when ever I realize that I hold a belief that is unbiblical I try to change what I believe. So when some one at work or on answers asks a question I am going to give them the biblical answer.But you are right. Jesus did not try to convert the religious leaders of His day and I don't waste my time on trying to preach to the self-righteous or to people of other religions. But if they ask my a question then they will get a biblical answer.

Answer 5

We are not to give up on people just because they follow wrong teaching. Go out into the highway and hedges and compel them to come in that my house might be full. We are to witness no matter. Now if we have done all we can and they still reject the word of God we are to knock the dust from our feet and move on.
Jude 1:22-And of some have compassion making a difference.

Answer 6

True But Paul is not a real apostle. He never even met Christ and he taught so many bogus teachings. The original Christian Essenes don't consider his teachings valid. Though there are some truth to some of the things he said. But the spiritualists should put the message out there like spreading seeds. Some will fall on rocky soil, some on ground and the weeds come up and choke it and some grow on fertile ground. But we must cast the seeds for the knowledge to have a chance of for the food to grow. for the original teachings of Jesus Christ before king Constantine changed so many things and added Paul's so called teachings. google gospelofthenazirenes.co For the sincere seekers of truth.

Answer 7

If you read the verse before it Paul is asking the saints that if they are spiritual to acknowledge the truth of what he has written. Then he adds in verse 38, "if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant," meaning if anyone is unsure (ignorant of the truth of what he has told them), then do not acknowledge it and remain silent or neutral.
When Paul says "let him be ignorant" he is speaking directly to the person who is ignorant, not those around him, saying do not answer something that you know nothing about.

Answer 8

But if any man be ignorant, etc. If any one affects to be ignorant of my authority, or whether I have a right to command. If he affects to doubt whether I am inspired, and whether what I utter is in accordance with the will of God.

Let him be ignorant. At his own peril, let him remain so, and abide the consequences. I shall not take any further trouble to debate with him. I have stated my authority. I have delivered the commands of God. And now, if he disregards them, and still doubts whether all this is said by Divine authority, let him abide the consequences of rejecting the law of God. I have given full proof of my Divine commission. I have nothing more to say on that head. And now, if he chooses to remain in ignorance or incredulity, the fault is his own, and he must answer for it to God.

Answer 9

He realized that some wouldn't change and die in their ignorance. The bible says.
But some would listen and the trick is knowing which one is which? Maybe they would change. I have known men who were the worlds worst people who now have a relationship with God and are completely different. Someone preached to them and made a difference in their life.

Answer 10

I"m not familiar with that passage, but I'll take your word for it. I imagine it means don't judge lest ye be judged. As for the second part of your question, I'm not convinced Paul was referring to ignorance of Christ's teachings. Just ignorance in general.