1 Corinthians 8:6

In this scenario, a Jehovah’s witness (JW) and a Catholic (C) discuss the interpretation of 1 Corinthians 8:6, which speaks about God the Father and Jesus Christ in relation to creation.

JW: 1 Corinthians 8:6 says, “yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.” This shows a clear distinction between God the Father and Jesus, indicating Jesus is not Almighty God.

C: It’s an important verse for understanding Christian theology, indeed. The distinction made here highlights the Divine Persons within the Trinity without denying the divinity of Jesus Christ. It speaks to the relational aspect between the Father and the Son in the work of creation and redemption.

JW: But it says there is one God, the Father. Doesn’t that exclude Jesus from being God?

C: What Paul is doing in this verse is emphasizing the source of creation and our existence — God the Father, and the means through which creation and redemption happen — Jesus Christ. This doesn’t exclude Jesus from divinity but highlights the unity and distinct Persons within the Trinity. Remember, the term “Lord” here is significant. In a Jewish context, calling Jesus “Lord” implies divine status, particularly when you consider how the Greek translation of the Old Testament, the Septuagint, uses “Lord” (Kyrios) for the divine name YHWH.

JW: So, you’re saying that calling Jesus “Lord” in this context equates him with God?

C: Exactly. By acknowledging Jesus as the “Lord” through whom all things came, Paul attributes to Jesus a role in creation that, according to Jewish monotheistic belief, only God could have. This aligns with John’s Gospel, where Jesus is described as the Word through whom all things were made (John 1:3). It’s about the relational dynamics within the Godhead, not a hierarchy of beings.

JW: But doesn’t this contradict the notion of one God?

C: It may seem that way at first glance, but the Christian understanding of one God is not about numerical singularity but about unity in essence. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct Persons but share the same Divine Essence. So, when Paul talks about one God and one Lord, he’s not implying a separation of divinity but describing how God’s singular Divine Essence works relationally for our creation and salvation.

JW: I’ve never considered it in that way. It’s quite a different perspective.

C: It’s definitely a profound mystery, one that Christians have contemplated throughout the centuries. The Trinity is not a contradiction but a revelation of God’s nature as relational and loving, fully expressed in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. If you have more questions or want to discuss further, I’m here to explore this mystery together.

This script simplifies a complex theological discussion, aiming to respectfully present a Catholic perspective on the interpretation of 1 Corinthians 8:6 in conversation with a Jehovah’s witness viewpoint.