Paul of Tarsus is an influential figure in the history of Christianity, and his life is shrouded in mystery. Many attribute the spread of Christianity to Paul, but is it accurate to say that Paul was the founder of Christianity.
Paul went on to become a tentmaker, an occupation popularly associated with his time in Tarsus. Paul was a highly educated, influential figure in early Christianity, familiar with the Jewish religion and, later, the concepts of Christianity. Born Saul in around 4 AD in the coastal city of Tarsus, modern-day Turkey, Paul spent his early years in Gamala, then part of Judea, where he was immersed in Jewish studies.
Paul was deeply influenced by a Christian story and his mission to spread its message. After experiencing a dramatic event on the Road to Damascus, where he reportedly encountered Jesus, he converted to Christianity and changed his name from Saul to Paul. While the stories of Paul’s conversion are disputed, some scholars suggest that Paul’s faith evolved through his growing understanding of Christianity and the Gospels over time. Through the works of Paul in the New Testament, including 14 epistles, the teachings of Jesus were transcribed, edited, and collated into a set of beliefs.
Paul developed a theology that placed the emphasis of faith in Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of Christianity, rather than on the Mosaic Law. Paul spread ideas such as the death and resurrection of Jesus, the concept of living a life in accordance with Christian salvation, and the mystery of the Trinity. Through epistles written to early Christian churches, Paul fashioned a religious system around the teachings and person of Jesus.
The debate on who founded Christianity centers on the question whether Christianity would have grown without the influence of Paul. Paul’s contribution is undeniable, and some believe he effectively founded the religion. His letters were considered authoritative for centuries, and the canon of the New Testament reflects his works, leading to his prominent role in the history of Christianity.
Paul’s letters, which some scholars describe as evangelical propaganda, set up the framework of what modern-day Christianity looks like. He focused on the centrality of Jesus and God, and laid out a theology that was radical at the time. Unlike other preachers of Christianity, Paul had the gift of writing, which enabled him to articulate the beliefs of Christianity in a more effective way.
Although the true founder of Christianity will forever remain a mystery, it is widely accepted that Paul was one of the earliest propagators of Christianity. His work and teachings provided a structure for the early growth of Christianity, and the debate on who founded Christianity will likely continue for centuries to come.
Paul’s Relationship With Judaism
Paul’s relationship with Judaism is complex and multi-faceted. He was a staunch believer in Mosaic Law, but had a deep respect for Jesus and his teachings. Although Paul never renounced Jewish Law, he wrote extensively about the primacy of faith in Jesus Christ over Jewish rituals and rites. His teachings are more synonymous with Christianity than with Judaism.
Paul was an evangelist, preaching what he believed to be the redeeming element of Jesus Christ’s teachings and the necessity of faith over works. He went on missionary trips, sometimes in opposition to Jewish authorities, to spread his message and encourage others to convert to Christianity. He argued that Jesus was the messiah, and redemption and salvation could be found in him, rather than in the practices of the Mosaic Law.
Paul had a mostly negative relationship with the Jewish establishment. Although he believed in the very same God, his different interpretation of the writings of the prophets and the coming of the messiah earned him tremendous criticism, and some scholars believe that it even led to a punishment from the authorities.
Legacy of Paul’s Work
Paul formed the basis of a Christian belief system as we know it today. The doctrines he set out in his works were heavily referenced and followed, and the message he spread was radical for the time. Although Paul has been accused of diverging from the teachings of Jesus, he is largely credited for ensuring that Christianity was given the opportunity to thrive, sustain, and expand.
Paul’s greatest legacy was the idea of grace, or most importantly the notion of being justified by faith. He argued that all people could come to righteousness through faith, without engaging in works. This idea offered a profound message of redemption and hope that was revolutionary to the early Christian church.
Paul was an evangelist, encouraging the spread of Christianity, both in the face of great opposition and even persecution. His writing, for example includes several letters to churches across the Mediterranean, where he encouraged people to believe in Jesus, evangelize, and spread the gospel.
Paul’s works illuminated and complemented the teachings of Jesus, forming the theological foundation of Christianity. Many religious experts recognize his achievements in forming the cornerstone of Christian faith.
Criticisms of Paul’s Work
Despite the teachings of Paul forming the basis of modern Christianity, many religious scholars have raised criticism of his works. Some suggest that some of Paul’s works diverted from Jesus’s teachings, while others note that his interpretation of the gospel and scriptures have disregarded certain aspects of the original text.
Paul also was largely silent on topics such as poverty or social justice. This has led some to criticize his methods as privileging the gospel over acts, or focusing too much on faith rather than action.
Additionally, some point to Paul’s insistence on the primacy of faith over works, arguing that a faith that does not lead to action is not true faith.
Finally, some question how much Paul’s own ideas were integrated into the faith of Jesus, though this is difficult to answer definitively.
Christianization of Paul’s Work
In the centuries following the life of Paul, his works underwent significant reshaping and reinterpretation. This process of Christianization focused on reinforcing certain aspects of Pauline doctrine such as original sin, the centrality of faith, and the need for redemption.
Many writers sought to emphasize Paul’s connection to Jesus and reinterpret his often complex works and ideas in simpler terms. Much of the language used during this process was borrowed from the Old Testament and other Jewish sources.
The result was an understanding of early Christianity that was heavily shaped by Paul’s works and doctrines. This basis was further refined and developed in later centuries, and Paul’s contribution to the development of the Christian faith is clear.
Continued Influence of Paul’s Ideas
The writing of Paul remain relevant in the 21st century and influencing how people perceive and engage with Christianity. Paul’s messages of hope, redemption, and faith continue to shape the beliefs of modern Christians, and his teachings are still applicable today.
Paul inspired generations of writers, evangelists, and reformers, from Martin Luther to the writers of the King James Bible. His legacy continues to shape Christianity and will likely be remembered for centuries to come.
Paul’s works transcended geography and time, and his impact on religion cannot be underestimated. Had he never existed, Christianity may not have been introduced to the world. Today, Paul is remembered as a religious figure of tremendous influence and importance, and his legacy lives on in the faith of millions.
