An Examination of the Term “Christian” and Its Roots in Pauline Doctrine

Christianity, as a global religion, is often presented as a direct continuation of the teachings of Jesus Christ. However, an in-depth examination of the Bible reveals that the word “Christian” was first used in the Book of Acts, and its origins are intricately linked to the Pauline movement. This paper explores the development of the term “Christian,” the role of Paul in shaping the early Christian movement, and how the creation of Christianity, as we know it today, diverges significantly from the teachings of Jesus. The focus will be on how Paul’s teachings, which formed the foundation of the Christian religion, were in many ways opposed to the core message of Jesus.

The Emergence of the Term “Christian” in Acts

The term “Christian” was first used in Acts 11:26, which states, “And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” This passage marks the first recorded use of the term “Christian,” but it is important to note that it was not a term coined by Jesus or his direct followers. The Book of Acts, which documents the early days of the Christian movement, was written by an anonymous author, and its historical accuracy is debated. The term “Christian” was likely a label used by outsiders, possibly pejorative at first, to describe the followers of Paul and his associates.

Paul’s Role in the Birth of Christianity

Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, was a key figure in the early spread of Christianity, but his teachings often diverged significantly from the original teachings of Jesus. Paul’s ministry focused heavily on converting Gentiles (non-Jews) and promoting salvation through faith alone, which became central to Christian doctrine. However, there is considerable evidence in the Gospels and Acts that Jesus’ mission was primarily to the Jews, and He did not set up a separate religion or church.

In the Gospels, Jesus is portrayed as a Jewish prophet who came to fulfill the law and the prophets, not to start a new religion. He emphasized the importance of love, repentance, and the kingdom of God within the context of Judaism. Jesus’ teachings about the coming kingdom were deeply connected to the Jewish concept of redemption and restoration. On the other hand, Paul, in his letters, emphasized doctrines such as justification by faith, the grace of God, and the rejection of the Jewish law, which sharply contrasted with the path that Jesus seemed to advocate. Paul’s doctrine shifted Christianity from a Jewish sect to a universal religion that could appeal to Gentiles.

Paul and the Founding of the Church

In Acts 13, Paul, alongside Barnabas, is described as being sent out on missionary journeys to spread the message of Jesus. Interestingly, Barnabas, a prominent figure in the early church, is the one who first sought out Paul in Antioch, as recorded in Acts 11:25–26. Barnabas, who had initially been a follower of Jesus, appears to have recognized the potential in Paul to bring a larger Gentile audience to the faith. This is ironic because Barnabas’s teachings aligned more closely with the original Jewish-Christian community, whereas Paul’s teachings were rapidly evolving into something distinct.

Paul’s influence led to the establishment of a new “church” structure, which did not exist during Jesus’ ministry. The concept of the Church as an institution—comprised of organized gatherings, leadership, and formal rituals—emerged from Pauline doctrine. This institutionalized form of Christianity began to take shape in cities like Antioch, Corinth, and Rome, where Paul’s teachings gained traction. Jesus, by contrast, did not establish any such institution during His life. He preached in synagogues and on the streets, and His followers gathered informally. The formal “church” as we know it today, with its hierarchical structure and doctrinal emphasis, was largely a creation of Paul and his followers.

The Irony of the Term “Christian”

The passage in Acts 26:28 records King Agrippa’s response to Paul’s testimony, saying, “Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘You almost persuade me to become a Christian.'” This is one of the first instances in the Bible where the term “Christian” is used in direct relation to Paul’s ministry. Agrippa’s words are significant because they highlight the association of the term “Christian” with Paul’s message and his efforts to convert Gentiles.

Similarly, 1 Peter 4:16 states, “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.” Here again, the term “Christian” is used, but it is important to note that Peter’s letter, like the rest of the New Testament, was written in the context of a growing Pauline-dominated Christian movement. The teachings in 1 Peter are reflective of a community that was coming to terms with its identity as distinct from Judaism and rooted in the Pauline theology of grace and faith.

The Role of the Holy Spirit and the Divergence from Jesus’ Teachings

In Acts 10, the story of Peter’s vision and his subsequent acceptance of Gentiles into the Christian fold is pivotal in understanding the break from Jesus’ original mission. In Acts 10:44–48, Peter claims that the Holy Spirit came upon the Gentiles, and thus God had granted them repentance leading to life. This contradicts Jesus’ earlier commands, such as in Matthew 10:5–6, where He instructed His disciples, “Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.” Jesus’ ministry was primarily focused on the Jews, and He did not commission His disciples to go beyond the Jewish community.

The narrative in Acts, where Peter embraces the inclusion of Gentiles, further reveals the theological shift that occurred under Paul’s influence. The author of Acts, who is believed to be a companion of Paul, seems to support this expansion of the Gospel beyond Israel, contrary to the teachings of Jesus. The idea that the early Christian movement, under Paul’s guidance, shifted its focus from the Jews to the Gentiles represents a significant deviation from the original mission of Jesus.

The Great Commission Argument

One of the most frequently cited verses in support of the idea that Christianity is a universal religion, open to all people regardless of their ethnic background, is the “Great Commission” found in Matthew 28:19-20:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.”

This command has been foundational for much of Christian missionary activity, and it is often used to justify the spread of the gospel to non-Jews and the conversion of Gentiles into Christianity. However, a closer examination of the historical context, as well as the consistency with Jesus’ actual teachings throughout the Gospels, suggests that the Great Commission may not have been part of the original message of Jesus, but rather an interpolation by the early Church to support its expanding mission. Refer to this article for more information about the Great Commission: An Analysis of the Great Commission in Light of Historical Context and Jesus’ Own Teachings – Divinetruth

The Creation of Christianity and the Deviation from Jesus’ Teachings

The creation of the term “Christian” and the subsequent development of the Christian movement can be seen as a departure from the core teachings of Jesus. Jesus’ message centered on repentance, the kingdom of God, and love for one’s neighbor. Paul, however, emphasized salvation through faith and the abandonment of the Jewish law. The Pauline Christianity that emerged was less concerned with the moral teachings of Jesus and more focused on doctrinal issues such as atonement, resurrection, and justification by faith.

The institution of the Church, which became central to Christianity, was also a creation of Pauline thought. The “Church” that Paul helped establish was not a simple community of believers, as Jesus had envisioned, but a hierarchical institution with authority structures and dogmatic doctrines. This institutionalization of faith is in stark contrast to Jesus’ rejection of religious hierarchy and His focus on personal transformation rather than adherence to ritual.

The Indoctrination of Believers and the Role of Faith

One of the key methods by which the Pauline Christian movement has maintained its influence over the centuries is through the emphasis on faith. Faith, in the Christian context, is often presented as something that cannot be questioned. The idea that believers must accept doctrine on faith, even when it does not make logical sense, has been used as a tool for indoctrination. As the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:7, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” This concept has been deeply ingrained in Christian doctrine, leading many to accept teachings without question or critical examination.

This approach to faith mirrors what some critics argue is the deceptive nature of organized religion. Faith, when used in this way, can prevent individuals from questioning the logic or morality of their beliefs, leading them to follow teachings that may not align with the true spirit of Jesus’ message. In this sense, some have argued that the religion promoted by the Church is not one of Christ, but one that has been corrupted by Paul’s influence and the institutionalization of Christianity.

Conclusion: The Deception of the Christian Movement

In conclusion, the term “Christian” and the movement that arose around it were largely shaped by the teachings of Paul and the early Church, which diverged significantly from the original message of Jesus. Jesus did not create a formal institution or a religion named after Him, and His teachings were focused on the Kingdom of God, repentance, and love, rather than the doctrines of salvation by faith alone or the establishment of a Church. The term “Christian,” as used in the New Testament, is in many ways a misnomer, as it refers not to the followers of Jesus, but to those who followed Paul’s interpretation of Jesus’ message. The Church, in its current form, often reflects a set of doctrines and practices that are more aligned with Pauline Christianity than with the teachings of Jesus Himself. As such, the religion known as Christianity today, while it may claim to be rooted in Jesus’ teachings, often strays far from His original message.

If you really want to follow Jesus then you need to stop following the church and Paul otherwise you will remain blind. This includes the belief in the Trinity which is a pagan belief introduced by Paul and the Church. Jesus taught to believe in the only and one only true God, the God of Abraham and all prophets, not the God of Paul and the Church.�