Why does Les think Paul's opponents might have been the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem?
He suspects Paul’s opponents were Jewish leaders in Jerusalem because they still resisted the idea that pagan Gentiles could be saved without becoming part of Judaism. He admits this is speculation, not Scripture, but insists the opponents were Jews, since Paul answers their claims to Hebrew, Israelite, and Abrahamic heritage.
Les teaches that he cannot say definitely it was the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem, but way down deep he kind of thinks so, because they were still not ready to accept that pagan Gentiles could enter into a salvation experience without becoming part of Judaism. He calls that speculation, since the Scripture does not say it. But whoever Paul was referring to, Les says it was Jews, because Paul answers their claims: Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? Sure. So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. That heritage meant everything to a Jew.
More Questions
Did Paul's opponents in 2 Corinthians include the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem?
Les suspects, though he admits it is speculation not stated in Scripture, that the Jews opposing Paul were the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem.