In particular, Paul redefines gnosis. The Corinthians have apparently sent a message to the apostle that “all of us possess gnosis.” Yes, Paul replies, but there are limits to gnosis (knowledge). “ ‘Knowledge’ puffs up, but love builds up. If any one imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. But if one loves God, one is known by him” (8:1-3). In just these three sentences, Paul does two things: (1) he shifts the emphasis from knowledge to agape, and (2) he reverses the direction of knowing. It is God who has knowledge of us, through love. Paul brings all this
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