Introduction
Many skeptics assert that Paul of Tarsus (the apostle Paul) hijacked theearly Christian religion, changing the theology from what Jesus originally
taught. Usually offered as proof for this claim are the doctrines found in
Paul's great theological work, his letter to the Romans. Without a doubt, the
book of Romans contains the most complete exposition of orthodox Christian
doctrines. Are these doctrines contrary to what Jesus taught? Do they conflict
with the teachings of the Old Testament from which they were purportedly
derived? If Paul really "invented" Christianity, then one would expect that his
teachings would be different from Jesus, the other apostles, and disciples.
The claims of Christianity
Christians claim that Paul of Tarsus met Jesus on a trip to persecuteChristians in Damascus. Struck blind for three days, Paul waited for Ananias
(one of Jesus' followers) to heal him. Converted by the experience, Paul
passionately proclaimed the gospel to the Jewish and Gentile world. This gospel
included doctrines including the atonement of sin through Jesus' death on the
cross and justification through faith. Paul, in his letter to the Galatians,
indicated that he received this gospel by revelation of Jesus Christ:
For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which wasIf it were true that Paul received his teaching directly from Jesus
preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from
man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of
Jesus Christ. (Galatians 1:11-12)
Christ, then surely Jesus Himself would have taught what Paul
was preaching.
"But it
happened that as I was on my way, approaching Damascus about
noontime, a very bright light suddenly flashed from heaven all
around me, and I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me,
'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?' "And I answered, 'Who are
You, Lord?' And He said to me, 'I am Jesus the Nazarene, whom you
are persecuting.' "(Acts 22:6-8)
This is Paul's account of his encounter with the risen Jesus Christ.
Paul said that it was through this event that he stopped persecuting
Christianity, becoming its greatest proponent and evangelist.
