False arguments that Catholics and Orthodox use to prove oral extra-scriptural church tradition are refuted.

"The saying of Jesus in Acts 20:35 came from oral tradition."

"In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' " (Acts 20:35)

Sola Scriptura: The saying of Jesus in Acts 20:35 does not prove the need for extra-Biblical oral traditions.

1. Even if these words were spoken by Jesus during his ministry, there is nothing here that supports oral tradition any more than all the rest of the sayings of Jesus that are recorded in the four gospels. The fact is that we would not know about this oral tradition unless it was recorded by Luke in Acts.
2. Although Jesus words were inspired and Paul got the saying directly from the Holy Spirit. Inspiration means that the prophecy did not come by an act of human will. 2 Pet 1:20-21. We are offended that anyone would suggest the authors of the Bible rely upon human records and not the Holy Spirit.
3. We challenge the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches to give us a list of "oral saying" of Jesus that are not found in scripture.
4. We want the average Orthodox and Catholic church member to note that their churches never supply such lists of statements because none exist except for what scripture records.
5. However, this may have been spoken to Paul directly by Jesus after he was converted in Acts 9. In other words, Paul may in fact be the only one this was said to, after Jesus had ascended as we see in 2 Cor 12:9. "And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me." 2 Corinthians 12:9
6. So Acts 20:35 may be exactly like 2 Cor 12:9, in that both are sayings of Jesus that were revealed only to Paul, long after Jesus had ascended into heaven.

More Pro-Oral Church tradition arguments refuted!

More Anti-Sola Scriptura arguments refuted!

by Steve Rudd

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