Yes, Les Feldick teaches that many theologians and pastors neglect Paul's writings, often treating them as unimportant or even rejecting them.
Les explains that Paul's epistles are the most neglected in Scripture, leading to weak churches and spiritual destitution. He notes that some people even think Paul's writings shouldn't be in the Bible, viewing him as unreliable or disturbed. Despite this, Les emphasizes that Paul's writings are essential, providing the bedrock of Christian faith and doctrine for the age of grace.
2 Timothy 3:16 — Paul himself affirms that all scripture is inspired and profitable, supporting the importance of his own writings.
Scripture, particularly through Paul's own words, affirms the divine inspiration and utility of all Scripture. In 2 Timothy 3:16, Paul writes, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." This declaration, written by Paul, establishes that his writings, as part of Scripture, are God-breathed and essential for teaching and correction. The Bible also shows Paul defending his apostleship, as in 2 Corinthians 11, where he lists his sufferings and credentials, asserting his authority as an apostle of Christ. These passages indicate that Paul's writings carry divine authority and are intended for the church's edification.
Les Feldick teaches that Paul's epistles are the most neglected portion of Scripture today, which he identifies as a primary reason for the weakness and spiritual decline of the church. He says that many churches and pastors avoid teaching from Paul's writings, preferring the Gospels or general references, but this neglect deprives believers of the core doctrines of grace. Les shares anecdotes of individuals and even seminary professors who dismiss Paul, with some suggesting his Damascus road experience was an epileptic seizure or that his writings should be excluded from the Bible. Despite this opposition, Les insists that Paul's writings are the bedrock of Christian faith, essential for understanding salvation by grace through faith, and quotes an Ivy League president who warned that it is 'back to the doctrines of Paul' or on to apostasy.
Les Feldick points out that many people refuse to give Paul 'any room in their thinking' and treat his writings like a plague. He notes that pastors and teachers may make reference to Paul, but they fall short of actually teaching his epistles. Les suggests that this neglect stems from a lack of understanding of Paul's unique role as the Apostle of the Gentiles and the distinctive doctrines of grace revealed through him. He also mentions that some view Paul as not being a true apostle because he wasn't with Jesus during His earthly ministry, as evidenced by the Judaizers' criticism in Galatians.
Les teaches that ignoring Paul's writings leads to the 'demise of the power of the church.' He cites Revelation 3, where the Laodicean church sees itself as rich but is actually 'poor, miserable, wretched, and blind.' Les applies this to modern churches that boast in their facilities and membership but are spiritually destitute because they neglect Paul. He also warns that failure to return to Paul's doctrines will lead Christianity into apostasy, as quoted from an Ivy League president: 'It is either back, back, back to the doctrines of Paul, or it is on, on, on to an apostasy.'
Paul's Credentials vs. the Twelve
Les explains that Paul defended his apostleship by claiming to be 'more' than the twelve in labor, stripes, and prisons, showing his unique authority.
Neglect of Paul's Writings
Les contrasts his teaching of Paul with others who ignore him, emphasizing that removing Paul's writings guts the New Testament.
Extreme Views of Paul
Les references people who think Paul was a 'nut' or that his experience was an epileptic seizure, yet he insists Paul is the bedrock of faith.
Paul's Writings Most Neglected
Les names Paul's writings as the most neglected in Scripture and links this to the spiritual weakness of the modern church.
Modern Examples of Rejection
Les shares personal stories of those who 'detest' Paul's writings and question why they are in the Bible.
Back to Paul or Apostasy
Les quotes an Ivy League president warning that ignoring Paul leads to apostasy, urging a return to Paul's doctrines.
Justification by Faith: What Does It Really Mean?
It's like being put in the spotlight, and it is being witnessed by the law and the prophets. Now I always want people to understand, yes, I am a great proponent of Paul as the apostle of the Gentiles, and that all our scriptures, but those of you who have been with me over the years, you know I don't just isolate Paul's letters and teach only from them.
The Righteousness of God Without the Law Explained
Only once did they depart from the four Gospels and they went to 1 Corinthians 13, the love chapter, and anybody can preach a sermon out of that. But other than that, it was all from Matthew, Mark, or Luke. Not once did they get into these parts of doctrine.
2 Timothy 3:16: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Paul's own statement affirming that all Scripture, including his writings, is inspired and useful for teaching.
Revelation 3:17: Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
Les uses this verse to describe churches that are spiritually destitute because they neglect Paul's teachings.
Les Feldick explains that many theologians and pastors ignore Paul's writings because they don't understand his unique role as the Apostle of the Gentiles. Some even think Paul's writings shouldn't be in the Bible, viewing him as unreliable. This neglect, Les says, has weakened the church.
According to Les, ignoring Paul's teachings leads to the 'demise of the power of the church.' Churches may look rich and successful but are spiritually poor and blind, as described in Revelation 3. Les warns that this path leads to apostasy.
No, Les says he uses the whole Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. However, he emphasizes that Paul's writings are unique in revealing the doctrines of grace for the church age, and they are often neglected.
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