Did Paul know his letters would become part of Scripture when he wrote them?
No. At that point Paul had not recognized or understood that his letters would become part of Scripture and be studied 2,000 years later. Yet he did know that what he wrote to the Corinthian congregation was inspired by the Holy Spirit as he wrote it, making it the Word of God.
Les explains that Paul at this point in time had not recognized or understood that his letters would become part of Scripture and that you and I would be studying it 2,000 years later. But Paul did know that what he wrote to this little congregation in Corinth was inspired by the Holy Spirit as he wrote it. So it was not just man's idea; it is the Word of God. The surrounding passage also stresses choice: if you want to know what the Word says, you come into it, read it, study it, and learn; if you want to remain ignorant, God gives you that prerogative. Paul also instructs that all things in the local congregation be done decently and in order, because that brings honor and glory to the God whom we claim to worship.
If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
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