Pauline theology is such an integral part of the history of the Christian faith that it is virtually impossible for us to imagine Christianity without Paul. But today's Corinthian text suggests Paul's ability to direct and mold the contours of early Christianity might not have always been so sure.

The debate over eating meat previously offered to pagan idols is familiar territory. Yet how many of us would be surprised to find that Paul's opinion in this matter was not readily accepted, that in fact there is evidence to suggest that Paul's words were either forgotten, ignored or misunderstood for several centuries of church life? Paul's argument is far more able and demanding than he is usually given credit for. Indeed, it may have been simply too challenging for the church in the first few…