Paul imagines many brethren, but Jesus only a chosen few

For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

-- Romans 5:19

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

-- Romans 8:29

Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the [profit] of many, that they may be saved.

-- 1 Corinthians 10:33

And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.

-- Mark 13:20

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

-- Matthew 7:14

So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

-- Matthew 20:16

Sin Is Not Counted Where There Is No Law?

few are chosen

 

Sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. ... Law came in, to increase the trespass.

-- Romans 5:13, 20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Was sin not counted as in the days of Noah? Were they not all destroyed, but for the few?

 

And what's the point of increasing the trespass if the "lesser" trespass made God repent of the creation itself and bring it to utter annihilation?

 

Paul argues as if he is completely ignorant of the flood narrative. 

And to think Hans Dieter Betz really meant it when he called Paul a genius.

The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.

-- Genesis 6:5ff.