Problems with Paul: A Case for His False Apostleship
Introduction
The Apostle Paul, a central figure in Christian theology, has been revered for centuries as the primary interpreter of Jesus’ teachings. However, a careful examination of his writings reveals significant contradictions with the teachings of Jesus and the Old Testament, suggesting that Paul may be a false apostle. This analysis will demonstrate how Paul’s theology diverges from the core messages of Jesus and the Hebrew Scriptures, undermining his claim to apostolic authority.
Contradictions with Jesus and the Old Testament
Paul’s teachings fundamentally alter the “entire tenor of the Biblical record,” which emphasizes righteous actions as the path to salvation. Jesus and the Old Testament consistently call for obedience to God’s laws and moral imperatives. For instance, Jesus states in Matthew 5:17-18:
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.”
This passage underscores Jesus’ commitment to the Mosaic Law, a commitment that Paul appears to reject. In Romans 10:4, Paul writes:
“Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.”
Here, Paul suggests that the Law is no longer necessary, contradicting Jesus’ affirmation of its enduring validity. This discrepancy is not merely interpretative but a direct opposition to Jesus’ teachings, indicating a false apostleship.
Furthermore, Jesus emphasizes the importance of works in addition to faith. In Matthew 7:21, He says:
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
Contrast this with Paul’s statement in Ephesians 2:8-9:
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Paul’s exclusion of works from the equation of salvation directly contradicts Jesus’ requirement for both faith and action. This contradiction is not a minor theological difference but a fundamental redefinition of the path to salvation, which Jesus Himself outlined.
Criticism of Paul’s Salvation Formula
Paul’s doctrine of vicarious substitutionary atonement, where Jesus’ death is seen as a substitute for human sin, is another point of contention. This theology, articulated in passages like 1 Corinthians 15:3:
“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,”
is not supported by Jesus’ own words. Jesus speaks of His death as a fulfillment of prophecy and a call to follow Him, not as a legalistic substitution. In Matthew 16:24, Jesus says:
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’”
This call to personal discipleship and action contrasts sharply with Paul’s emphasis on a passive acceptance of grace. The idea that humanity is inherently sinful and incapable of good actions, as Paul suggests in Romans 3:23:
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
undermines the moral agency that Jesus and the Old Testament affirm. This theological shift is not merely a different perspective but a false gospel that distorts the message of Jesus.
Pauline Theology and Evangelism
Paul’s theology leads to a style of evangelism that focuses on God’s love and the problem of sin, rather than on the call to righteous action. This approach is evident in Romans 5:8:
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
While this emphasizes God’s grace, it neglects the active righteousness that Jesus demands. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 instructs:
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
Jesus’ command is clear: teach obedience to His commands, not a passive acceptance of grace. Paul’s focus on faith alone, as seen in Galatians 2:16:
“Know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ.”
diverts from this mission, suggesting a false apostleship that misleads believers.
Authorship and Historical Context
The Pauline epistles, while claiming Paul as the author, are not without controversy. Scholars debate the authorship of several letters, such as the Pastoral Epistles (1 and 2 Timothy, Titus), which may have been written under Paul’s name after his death, a common practice in antiquity. This raises questions about the authenticity and reliability of Paul’s teachings. Moreover, Paul’s conversion story, detailed in Acts 9, is suspect. His sudden transformation from a persecutor of Christians to a chief apostle lacks corroboration from other New Testament sources, and his self-proclamation as an apostle in Galatians 1:1:
“Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead—”
is not validated by the original apostles, who initially doubted his conversion (Acts 9:26).
Conclusion
The evidence presented here—contradictions with Jesus’ teachings, a false salvation formula, a misleading evangelistic approach, and questionable authorship—strongly suggests that Paul is a false apostle. His teachings diverge from the core messages of Jesus and the Old Testament, introducing a theology that undermines the moral imperative and personal responsibility central to true discipleship. Believers must critically evaluate Paul’s writings in light of Jesus’ words and the Hebrew Scriptures to discern the truth.
Problems with Paul: A Case for His False Apostleship – More can be read on www.ProblemsWithPaul.com