Paul – Apostle or Apostate?

Summary

This video critically examines the reliability of Paul of Tarsus as a source of information about Jesus. It highlights contradictions and issues within Paul's writings, such as inaccurate prophecies about the end of the world, misinterpretations of Old Testament passages, and his negative stance on the Mosaic Law. The video argues that Paul's teachings, which dominate the New Testament, present a distorted view of Jesus. Ultimately, it suggests that the Qur'an offers a clearer and more authentic representation of Jesus' message, offering Muslims the true teachings of Jesus untainted by myth.

Takeaways

• 😀 Paul of Tarsus significantly shaped Christian doctrine but his reliability as a source of information about Jesus is questioned.
• 😀 Paul claimed to have received a divine revelation directly from Jesus, but there is no independent verification of this mystical encounter.
• 😀 Paul’s prophecy about the imminent return of Jesus and the end of the world has not been fulfilled in nearly 2,000 years, raising concerns about the accuracy of his predictions.
• 😀 Some scholars suggest Paul believed Jesus would return during his lifetime, which contradicts the ongoing delay of the Second Coming.
• 😀 Paul advised believers to live detached from worldly matters, believing the end was near, but his teachings have been followed for nearly 2,000 years, making his advice seem impractical.
• 😀 According to the Old Testament, prophets whose predictions fail are not divinely inspired, yet Paul's failed prophecy raises doubts about his claims of divine revelation.
• 😀 Paul teaches that salvation comes through faith in Jesus alone, excluding works, but he misquoted Old Testament scriptures to support this teaching, omitting critical elements.
• 😀 Paul’s interpretation of the promise to Abraham, focusing on a singular 'seed' (Jesus), is contested, as the Hebrew word 'zera' implies multiple descendants, not just one.
• 😀 Paul’s teachings on salvation for Israel contradict the original prophecy in Isaiah, as Paul omits the requirement for repentance before salvation.
• 😀 Paul’s inconsistent behavior, especially in Jerusalem when he submits to a public law ritual, contradicts his teachings that Jews are no longer bound by the Mosaic Law.
• 😀 The video concludes that Muslims, guided by the Quran, follow the true message of Jesus, as the Quran clears up the myths surrounding his life and teachings.

Q & A

What was Paul's initial attitude towards Christianity?

Paul initially opposed Christianity and actively persecuted its followers. He was a zealous enemy of Christianity before having a transformative experience on the road to Damascus, where he claimed to encounter Jesus through a mystical revelation.

How does Paul claim to have received his gospel message?

Paul claimed that he received the gospel message directly through a divine revelation from Jesus Christ, rather than through human sources or teachings.

What is the key issue with Paul's prophecy regarding the return of Jesus?

Paul prophesied that the return of Jesus would occur within his lifetime, stating that some believers would be alive at the Second Coming. However, this prophecy has not been fulfilled after nearly 2,000 years, raising concerns about its reliability.

How do some Christians try to defend Paul's prophecy about the return of Jesus?

Some Christians argue that Paul was referring to believers in the distant future rather than his contemporaries. They interpret Paul's prophecy as metaphorical rather than literal, to explain the delay in the return of Jesus.

What does Paul teach about marriage, emotions, and materialism?

Paul advises believers to live as though they are detached from worldly affairs, including marriage, emotions, and material possessions, because he believed the end of the world was imminent. This advice, if taken literally, would have led Christians to live celibate, emotionless, and ascetic lives for centuries, which raises doubts about the validity of his expectations.

How does Paul interpret the Old Testament passage about Abraham's descendants?

Paul interprets God's promise to Abraham, which mentions 'seed,' as referring to a singular descendant—Jesus. However, the original Hebrew text of Genesis indicates that 'seed' can refer to multiple descendants, suggesting that Paul may have misinterpreted the passage.

What is the problem with Paul's quotation of Old Testament scriptures to support his theology?

Paul is criticized for taking Old Testament passages out of context to support his theology. For instance, he quotes from Deuteronomy and Psalms in ways that seem to distort the original meaning, particularly by omitting key elements or misinterpreting them in support of his view on salvation by faith and the irrelevance of the Mosaic Law.

What is the contradiction in Paul's stance on the Mosaic Law?

Paul is portrayed as having a negative view of the Mosaic Law, describing it as a curse and an impossible standard for righteousness. However, when confronted by the Christian leaders in Jerusalem, Paul appears to comply with Jewish customs, including purification rituals, suggesting a contradiction between his teachings and actions.

How does the script critique Paul's view on the Mosaic Law in relation to the Old Testament?

The script critiques Paul's stance by pointing out that the Old Testament emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commandments and portrays the law as accessible and not too difficult to follow. Paul's interpretation, which portrays the law as a curse, seems to contradict this view, raising questions about his understanding of divine inspiration.

What role does the Qur'an play in the video’s argument about the reliability of Paul's teachings?

The video concludes by stating that the Qur'an offers the true and undistorted message of Jesus, contrasting this with the claims made by Paul. It suggests that Muslims, through the Qur'an, have access to the authentic message of Jesus, as opposed to the distortions found in the New Testament.