Paul: His Mission, Truth or Falsehood?

The figure of Paul the Apostle has been a subject of intense debate for centuries. Paul, once known as Saul of Tarsus, transformed from a fierce persecutor of Christians into one of Christianity’s most influential missionaries and writers. However, his teachings and the foundation of the early Christian church have raised significant questions regarding the authenticity of his mission and whether his actions were in line with the true teachings of Jesus Christ. Some argue that Paul’s writings and actions represent a diversion from Jesus’ original message, while others contend that he was divinely inspired to spread the gospel to the Gentiles.

Paul’s conversion from a notorious persecutor of Christians to one of the most influential figures in Christian history has raised complex questions about his true motivations. While many view Paul as a divinely appointed apostle, others argue that his teachings and actions significantly deviated from the original mission of Jesus Christ, transforming the faith into something unrecognizable from the teachings of its founder. This paper will examine various aspects of Paul’s life and mission, exploring the contradictions and inconsistencies that arise when comparing his teachings to those of Jesus, as well as considering the potential influence of deception by satan.

1. Jesus’ Mission: The Savior of the Jews

Jesus, according to the Gospels, was sent specifically to the Jews, not to the Gentiles or the entire world. His mission was to restore Israel, calling the Jewish people to repentance and to accept him as their Messiah. In Matthew 15:24, Jesus explicitly states, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” This declaration underscores the reality that Jesus’ message and actions were primarily directed at the Jewish people, with a focus on fulfilling the promises made to their ancestors.

The notion that Jesus came to save the whole world was later expanded by Paul, who emphasized the idea that Jesus’ death and resurrection had universal implications, extending salvation to the Gentiles as well. This shift from a Jewish-centered faith to a global religion was one of the most radical changes Paul introduced. However, it raises significant theological concerns: Did Jesus himself intend for his message to be spread to all nations in the way Paul interpreted? Or was Paul’s expansion of Jesus’ mission a distortion of the original plan? This question is crucial, as Christianity, as it is known today, is dramatically different from the faith Jesus taught.

2. Paul’s Role and the Divergence from Jesus’ Teachings

If Paul was indeed a Jew, as he claimed, then his actions after his supposed conversion present an even greater contradiction. A genuine Jew, particularly one who had been steeped in the traditions of the Law, would have been deeply committed to the message of Jesus and would have continued his mission as his disciples did. After all, Jesus’ disciples, all Jews, remained true to his teachings, spreading the gospel primarily among the Jewish people. They did not abandon or radically alter Jesus’ message, but instead worked within its framework, calling others to repentance and faith in Jesus as the promised Messiah.

However, Paul’s actions—particularly his teachings on salvation, the abolition of the Law, and the inclusion of Gentiles—suggest that he either misunderstood or willfully deviated from Jesus’ core message. If Paul had truly been a Jew and had genuinely recognized the error of his ways, he would have sought to continue the righteous path set out by Jesus. Instead, Paul’s teachings broke from the essence of Jesus’ ministry and introduced concepts that were never part of Jesus’ instructions.

This divergence leads to a critical question: Was Paul truly a Jew? His radical departure from the message of Jesus raises doubts about his Jewish identity. If he was a Jew, why did he depart so drastically from the teachings of the Jewish Jesus? Alternatively, if Paul was not a Jew, he could have been a tool used by satan to lead Christians away from the truth—deceiving them into believing in a distorted gospel. It is possible that satan, who could not defeat Jesus during his earthly life, instead used Paul to infiltrate the movement and slowly corrupt it from within, leading billions of people astray with a new, false gospel that diverged sharply from the teachings of Jesus.

3. The Role of Satan in Paul’s Teachings

The Bible teaches that satan is the “father of lies” (John 8:44) and has continually sought to deceive and mislead humanity. Given the profound changes Paul introduced, one might ask whether these deviations from Jesus’ original teachings were influenced, if not orchestrated, by satan. Paul himself acknowledged that his teachings were not universally accepted by all Christians and that some criticized his interpretations of the gospel. If satan could not succeed in tempting Jesus himself, perhaps his next strategy was to infiltrate the Christian movement after Jesus’ ascension.

The introduction of new doctrines such as the Trinity, the modification of the Sabbath day, the relaxation of dietary laws, and the redefinition of salvation away from Jesus’ original call to repentance—these could all be seen as part of satan’s larger plan to deceive humanity. By altering key aspects of Jesus’ message, satan created a religion that, while superficially similar to the original gospel, deviates in significant ways. As a result, the global Christian religion today bears little resemblance to the faith Jesus taught, and much of the world is led astray.

4. The Impact of Paul on the Development of Christianity

One of the most important questions regarding Paul’s influence on the Christian faith is what would have happened if Paul had never entered the scene. If Paul had not spread his version of Christianity, would the disciples of Jesus have continued on the righteous path? It is entirely possible that Christianity would not have developed as a separate religion at all. Instead, the movement may have remained a Jewish sect, focused on the worship of the one true God, in accordance with the Law of Moses and the teachings of Jesus.

In that case, Christianity, as a distinct religion, would never have emerged. Instead, Judaism would have remained the focal point of the faith, and Islam, which also respects the teachings of Jesus as a prophet, might have taken a central role in the theological landscape. Judaism and Islam share a common belief in one God, and both honor the true teachings of Jesus as a prophet. If Paul had never introduced his radical changes, these two religions would have been the dominant expressions of faith in the world.

But satan, knowing that such a development would thwart his plans, sought to divide and corrupt the true followers of Jesus. By orchestrating the rise of a Pauline Christianity, he created a new religion that distanced itself from the monotheistic, prophetic tradition of Judaism and Islam. In essence, satan established Christianity as a global faith that deviates from the teachings of Jesus and misleads billions of people.

5. Paul’s Changes to Core Doctrines

• Salvation by Faith Alone: Jesus’ teachings were centered around repentance, adherence to God’s commandments, and faith in the one true God. Paul’s doctrine, however, introduced the idea that salvation was a gift obtained solely through faith in Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death, not through repentance or following God’s commandments. This shift radically altered the nature of salvation, making it a matter of belief in Christ’s death rather than a call to live a righteous life in accordance with God’s will.
• The Abandonment of the Sabbath: Jesus observed the Jewish Sabbath, and the early disciples followed this practice. Paul, however, encouraged the abandonment of the Sabbath in favor of Sunday worship, which was adopted to honor the resurrection of Jesus. This change not only contradicted Jesus’ practice but also undermined the significance of the Sabbath commandment as a vital part of God’s law.
• Dietary Laws: Paul taught that Christians were no longer bound by the dietary restrictions of the Old Testament, even though Jesus had emphasized the importance of purity and cleanliness. Paul’s dismissal of the dietary laws contributed to a growing departure from Jewish traditions, even though Jesus had lived and taught in full observance of them.
• The Trinity Doctrine: One of the most significant theological changes Paul contributed to was the introduction of the doctrine of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus, however, consistently spoke of God as a singular being (Mark 12:29) and never hinted at the triune concept that would later become central to Christian doctrine. This departure from the oneness of God represents a shift in understanding that parallels the deceptive work of satan to distort the truth.
• Paul’s Reinterpretation of the Law: Jesus’ teachings were rooted in the Jewish law, and he called people to follow it in spirit and truth (Matthew 5:17-19). Paul, however, argued that Christians were freed from the law, leading many to ignore the moral and ethical commandments God had established.

6. God Hates Liars

The Bible is clear that God hates lies. In Proverbs 6:16-19, it lists the seven things that the LORD hates, including “a lying tongue” and “a false witness who breathes out lies.” Unfortunately, Paul’s own teachings seem to contradict this truth. In his letters, he goes against his own words, at times justifying deceit. In Romans 3:1-8, Paul admits to resorting to lying for the sake of spreading what he claims is the truth:

“But if our unrighteousness brings out God’s righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world? Someone might argue, ‘If my falsehood enhances God’s truthfulness and so increases his glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?’ Why not say—as we are being slanderously reported as saying—‘Let us do evil that good may result’? Their condemnation is deserved.”

Paul acknowledges that he lied for the sake of advancing the gospel, suggesting that falsehood could be justified if it brings about a greater good. Yet, God’s Word clearly states that lying is an abomination to Him. In Philippians 1:15-18, Paul also justifies preaching Christ out of false motives:

“It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill… But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.”

This reasoning is dangerous, as it seems to validate the end justifying the means, even if those means are based on lies. But God warns that anyone who teaches others to relax His commandments and embraces deceit will be “least in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:19). Paul’s blatant disregard for truth in order to promote his gospel contradicts God’s own command to love truth and righteousness.

7. Conclusion: The Deception of Christianity

In conclusion, if Paul had never entered the scene and the disciples had continued in their righteous path, it is very likely that Christianity as we know it today would not exist. Instead, Judaism would have remained the faith that kept the true teachings of Jesus, and Islam, which also acknowledges Jesus as a prophet, would have continued to emphasize the oneness of God. Satan, knowing the profound threat that the true teachings of Jesus posed to his deceptive plans, orchestrated the rise of a Christianity that distorts the core message of Jesus and misleads billions.

Today, only a fraction of the world—those who follow Islam and Judaism—hold to the pure teachings of God. Satan has succeeded in drawing many away from the truth. The only way to break free from this deception is to approach the truth with an open mind and heart, seeking guidance from the one true God, who is ever merciful and ready to lead us to the light. The truth is there for those who truly seek it.