Understanding the Divergence and Expansion: Jesus' Teachings and Paul's Influence on Early Christianity (05/31/'24) -Viewpoint

The Debate on the Essential Identity of Jesus and Paul's Influence on Christianity The view that the essential identity of Jesus himself and the Jesus preached by Paul are not the same, and the claim that Christianity was created by Paul, stem from several scholarly and theological perspectives. Understanding these perspectives involves examining the differences in their teachings, historical contexts, and the development of early Christian doctrine. Basis for the View that Jesus and Paul Differ Historical and Cultural Context: Jesus: Jesus' ministry was primarily within the context of first-century Judaism. His teachings were directed towards a Jewish audience, emphasizing the Kingdom of God, adherence to the Mosaic Law, repentance, and ethical living. He often used parables and actions to convey his message, focusing on the imminent arrival of God's Kingdom. Paul: Paul operated in a Greco-Roman context, addressing Gentiles who were unfamiliar with Jewish customs and laws. His teachings emphasized justification by faith, the role of grace, and the significance of Jesus' death and resurrection. Paul's letters often addressed issues relevant to the diverse and cosmopolitan communities he was writing to, which sometimes required a different emphasis than Jesus' original teachings. Theological Emphasis: Jesus: Central to Jesus' message were themes of repentance, love, justice, and the coming Kingdom of God. His teachings were practical and ethical, focusing on how to live in accordance with God's will. Paul: Paul's theology was more doctrinal, focusing on the nature of Christ, salvation, and the implications of Jesus' death and resurrection. He developed concepts such as original sin, redemption, and the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers. Basis for the View that Paul Created Christianity Paul's Influence on Early Christian Doctrine: Paul is often credited with shaping early Christian theology and practice. His epistles form a significant portion of the New Testament and outline many of the theological foundations of Christianity, such as the concept of salvation by grace through faith, the role of Christ as the universal savior, and the nature of the church as the body of Christ. Expansion of Jesus' Teachings: Paul's missionary journeys and writings helped spread Christianity beyond the Jewish community to the Gentile world. His approach to preaching a message that was accessible to non-Jews facilitated the growth of Christianity into a global religion. Paul's ability to contextualize Jesus' teachings for a wider audience is seen as a key factor in the development of the Christian church and its doctrines. Validity and Implications If we consider the statement that Paul expanded Jesus' teachings into the Christian church, it implies that: Paul as a Theological Interpreter: Paul did not invent a new religion but interpreted and expanded upon Jesus' teachings to address new contexts and challenges. His epistles provided theological clarity and practical guidance for early Christian communities, helping to establish a cohesive identity for the nascent church. Development of Ecclesiology: Paul's writings laid the groundwork for Christian ecclesiology, the theological study of the church. His letters addressed church organization, leadership, communal living, and the sacraments, which became foundational for later Christian practice and doctrine. Essence of Jesus' Original Appearance, Teachings, and Actions Jesus' Appearance: Jesus is portrayed in the Gospels as a Jewish rabbi and prophet, deeply connected to Jewish traditions and prophecies. He was a healer, teacher, and miracle worker who attracted followers through his compassionate actions and powerful message. Essential Teachings: Kingdom of God: Jesus frequently spoke about the Kingdom of God, urging people to repent and prepare for its coming. This kingdom was both a present reality and a future hope. Love and Compassion: Central to Jesus' message was the command to love God and neighbor. He emphasized compassion, mercy, and forgiveness. Ethical Living: Jesus taught ethical principles such as humility, non-violence, generosity, and integrity. His Sermon on the Mount encapsulates many of these teachings. Repentance and Forgiveness: Jesus called people to repent from their sins and offered forgiveness, restoring their relationship with God. Actions: Jesus performed miracles, healed the sick, and cast out demons, demonstrating the power of God's Kingdom. He also challenged social and religious norms, advocating for the marginalized and criticizing hypocritical religious leaders. In conclusion, while Paul's contributions significantly shaped the development of Christian doctrine and practice, they built upon the foundation of Jesus' original teachings. Understanding the historical and cultural contexts of both Jesus and Paul helps us appreciate the continuity and diversity within early Christianity, highlighting the ways in which the faith adapted and grew from its roots in Jesus' ministry to its expansion through Paul's missionary work. Pastor Steven G. Lee (May 31, 2024)