Was Paul The Founder Of Christianity
At its core, Christianity is a religion centered around the teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus, born of humble beginnings, has been celebrated by followers as both divine and human. From his time as an itinerant preacher in 1st Century Palestine up to the present day, Jesus has been the centerpiece of Christian belief and practice. Amidst all this though, the question posed is whether Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, was the one to found Christianity as we know it today.
Many would consider Paul to be one of the earliest adherents of Christianity, spreading the message of Jesus and his teachings during the 1st century AD. During this period, Paul wrote a number of letters and epistles which define much of the faith that followers adhere to today. But at its core, the majority of the theology and beliefs of Christianity have roots from the Jewish faith, before Paul and Christianity.
Given that the teachings of Jesus drew upon existing Jewish moral values and teachings, scholars have pointed out an apparent disconnect between Paul’s theology and Jesus’s teachings. Paul was a Hellenist, meaning he was schooled in the philosophies of the Greek world. There are both vast similarities and differences between Paul and Jesus in terms of theologies and interpretations of the scriptures.
Paul presented his own version of Christianity to the Gentiles, the non-Jews of the Roman world, emphasizing instead the grace of Jesus on believers and focusing more on the forgiveness of sin rather than the law. This was contrary to the message of Jesus himself, who presented the teachings of the Old Testament law in its entirety. An example of this can be seen in Romans 3:21-24, where Paul explains that there is no longer a need to obey the Law, since salvation is found in Jesus and his grace.
In conclusion, although Paul has undeniably been instrumental in the spread of Christianity and its teachings, it would be a mistake to see him as the sole founder of the faith. The very idea predates him, seeing as Jesus himself had already started preaching about the kingdom of God long before Paul’s conversion. Paul had a massive impact on the religion, but he is not the sole founder of Christianity.
The Role of the Synoptic Gospels and the Early Church in the Foundation of Christianity
The Synoptic gospels, including Matthew, Mark and Luke, account for a large portion of early Christianity. They are also crucial to understanding the stories of Jesus’ ministry, teachings, death and resurrection. This view is generally assumed to have been written and edited by multiple authors, prior to the existence of the 4th Gospel, the book of John. In spite of the various authors various religious perspectives, it is accepted within Christian theology that these gospels are superior to the other New Testament texts, as they cast a more realistic picture of the early church and the life of Jesus on Earth.
Additionally, a key factor in the spread of Christianity was that of the early Church. Founded by the apostles and disciples, who were among the earliest followers of Jesus, the Church was responsible for solidifying the belief system and spreading the gospel out into the wider world. This included the preaching through both written and oral teachings and the establishing of local churches throughout Greece, Turkey, and other regions.
In order to help propagate the new faith, the early church also formed certain social and religious institutions, such as the diaspora, which helped spread the faith in an organized and systematic way. Through the works of many influential individuals – men like Ignatius of Antioch or Tertullian – the Church established itself as a powerful institution and worked to spread the gospel to all corners of the world.
Though Paul had a direct influence and connection to many of these early converts, it is important to note that the foundation of Christianity predates Paul’s ministry. In fact, even Paul acknowledged this, readily admitting his own dependence on the earlier gospel preached by Jesus and the other Apostles.
Conclusion on Paul’s Role in the Foundation of Christianity
Despite the evidence that suggests Paul may have been an insightful figure in the formation of Christianity, he cannot be said to be its founder. This distinction should go to Jesus Christ himself and those who followed in his footsteps. As a result, Paul can be seen as an important figure in the spread of the faithful, but should not be seen as the only one responsible for the beliefs and foundations of Christianity.
The Influence of Paul in Understanding Christianity
Paul was, however, influential for understanding Christianity. Through some of his letters, such as Romans, 1 Corinthians, and Galatians, Paul elucidated certain aspects of the Christian faith which later writers, such as St. Augustine, drew on heavily. He had an accepted authority among the early church and wrote on various topics pertaining to faith, suffering, and redemption among other things.
Through his epistles, Paul was also instrumental in starting the discussion of questions such as whether Gentiles should be included in the covenant between God and man, and to what extent the Old Testament laws should apply to the followers of Jesus. This heavily influenced later Christian theology and helped set the stage for the eventual synthesis of the two faiths.
An example of this is in Romans 2:17-20, where Paul addresses the issue of religious inclusion, arguing that all Jews and Gentiles were equal in the eyes of God and were to be given the same reverence as a people. This rebuke of religious exclusivism has had a major influence on Christianity, as it provides an answer to a question which had been a point of contention amongst believers.
Finally, Paul was highly influential in developing the doctrine of salvific faith, which states that faith in Jesus is an element required for the salvation of believers. Paul wrote extensively on the idea of salvation, which he states is only accessible through an individual’s faith in Jesus. Without Paul, this would not have been as clear.
The Continuing Influence of Paul
Paul’s lasting legacy is clear within the New Testament and Christian theology. His writings are central to discourses within early Christian communities and are often referenced as sources for further understanding today. Furthermore, the dramatic and wide-reaching impact Paul had upon the fledgling faith of Christianity still reverberates today.
Paul’s emphasis on Christian humility and unity particularly resonated within modern faith, and his attitude of perfectionism still holds sway in many Christianity denominations. Paul’s teachings on the role of the Christian Church in society also continue to remain highly relevant, as people and communities around the world continue to interact with the faith and its teachings.
The Impact of Paul on Christianity Today
Many believers today still embrace and look to Paul’s teachings as they strive to better understand the faith. His ideas on saving faith and the way he moved the entire community towards Christ serve as an example for the modern Church. Furthermore, Paul’s requests for the Church to help spread the gospel still reverberate today in mission trips and other efforts to reach out to non-believers in an effort to share the good news.
Paul also serves as a reminder that, although Christianity should be interpreted in terms of modern context, it also retains its connection to its Jewish Jeans-centred origin. Themes such as messianism and the freedom of judgment which Paul taught are still relevant and ongoing sought-after principles.
Finally, Paul serves as an example to modern-day believers how to live lives in keeping with the faith they profess. He wrote much on how one should conduct themselves and live in accordance with the Scriptures, emphasizing humility and grace, and challenged believers to stand firm on their faith.
Paul’s Lasting Legacy
At the end of the day, the legacy of Paul is one of pervasive influence. Although he never founded Christianity, his contribution has been profound and his teachings remain relevant to this day. His efforts in spreading the message of Jesus across the seas to the Gentiles demonstrate the power of the gospel and its potential to reach and transform people from all walks of life.
Ultimately, Paul’s teachings serve as a reminder to modern-day believers that Christianity is an open faith which welcomes people from all backgrounds and circumstances. The work of Paul can still be seen in the Church today, with his influence still continuing to be felt.
