An analysis of Apostle Paul’s teachings
Although Apostle Paul did not meet Jesus Christ, he immensely contributed to his teachings and to the growth of Christianity. Paul was born as Saul of Tarsus. He was a prosecutor of those who accepted Jesus Christ. When headed to Damascus, a bright light appeared in front of him; Paul fell to the ground and became blind. A voice from Jesus Christ asked him why he was prosecuting him. Ananias restored his eyesight and baptized him.
Since then Paul dedicated himself to preaching the gospel of Christ. He taught about faith, repentance, baptism and salvation. He wrote letters such as Thessalonians and Corinthians, and they were included in the New Testament. In his letters, Paul insisted that salvation can only be acquired through faith in Jesus Christ.
At times, his teachings were at loggerhead with the Jewish laws. In a letter to the Galatians, Apostle Paul dismissed claims that one must be circumcised to get into a covenant with God. According to him faith was paramount and one can only get salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
Paul taught that Jesus Christ died because of sinners. His death and resurrection was meant to bring salvation. He insisted that Jesus Christ will come back, and people have to repent to get to the kingdom of God. Although did not meet Jesus, he claimed that he had received his message through visions.
Various scholars such as Friedrich Nietzsche have criticized his teachings saying that he deviated from the true teachings of Jesus Christ. Others such as Christopher Rowland defended him by saying that his teachings are based on the gentile context. Unlike Jesus who exclusively taught the Jews, Paul also preached to the gentiles.
Paul’s teachings also known as Pauline theology emphasized that salvation is by the grace of God. He asked Christians to liberate themselves from sin to receive eternal life. By spreading the gospel to the gentiles, Paul made Jesus a universal messiah. He enabled Christianity to be under Roman administration with each city having a bishop.
W.D Davies argued that Paul replaced the laws of Moses with Christ. However, Paul argues that his teachings were only adding to the laws of the Old Testament. Paul urged those who are faithful to continue strengthening their faith by reading and understanding the word of God. He also taught about the Holy Spirit. Paul preached in synagogues and villages. He kept in touch with new converts and even sent them letters.