Theological and Pragmatic Aspects of the Divine Gift of Discernment in the Epistles of St. Paul

Abstract

Among the New Testament writings the Epistles of St. Paul serve as the deepest theological source for elaborating the biblical doctrine of «discernment» (διάκρισις). Due to the variety and interrelation of the Greek terms representing this spiritual as well as cultural phenomenon, pragmatic intention of the Apostle is clear. Referring an appeal directly to the man, he constantly has in mind the mystery of God (μυστήριον), that was revealed in Christ. The «Gospel» of St. Paul focuses properly on an unexplicability of Godʼs plan: i.e. on the apophatic dimension of discernment as well as on an extreme openness of this plan in the apocalyptic context. On this background such important themes are stressed as: human responsibility, vigilance, perseverance, divisions (κρίσις). Between these two poles (immanence and transcendence, «already» and «not yet») dialectics of discernment is developing. The gift as well as the art of discernment is condensed in the Russian iconography of the «Holy Trinity» of Andrej Rublev. Within spiritual richness of this unique image resounds an appeal to strengthen brotherly relationships among Christians. It also discloses a deep dimension of the Godʼs judgment whose essence is expressed by the Trinitarian love of God towards a man.