Paul didn't contradict Christ... he was SENT by Christ. His calling was to be the Apostle to the Gentiles. God was opening salvation to ALL, not just the jewish people. This is why his message "seemed" to contradict at times.
Christ mainly spoke to the lost sheep of Israel. But they rejected Him and that is when salvation came to the Gentiles and this is why God called Saul of Tarsus into action.
Paul wrote much of the New Testament. It figures that in the last days that the attacks would focus FIRST on Christ, then on to Paul. Open your eyes. Christ told us beforehand these things would happen. He said that many would be "offended" by His name.
I know where my faith is. I'm just ridin' the storm out.....
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I don't reject Messiah. But you would think if Christ was planning on appointing Paul, he might have given an indication there would be a 13th apostle. To my knowledge He didn't. In fact, he warned of people coming in His name. Who knows what entity Paul ran into on the road? I don't...I wasn't there. And the only witness was....Paul.
I know where my faith is too. in Yeshua...Christ...God the Father....not Paul. Who needs Paul?
Did you read my previous post? :-)
If you throw out Paul, you have to throw out Peter and the other disciples' as well as they affirm Paul's apostle-ship.
Your argument isn't valid as if you applied what you said to others who came in Christ's name, you'd have to doubt them too. What a sad place to be.
Christ said you would know them by their fruits. Examine Paul's writings carefully and you will see that he exalts Yeshua (Jesus) completely ALL the time.
His words resonate in our hearts and point us to salvation that cannot be found through works of the law (the law was given to draw sin to the surface so it could be seen), but only through the blood of Christ.
By observing the law, no one will be justified. Justification only comes through faith in Christ. That's it, pure and simple. Let God sort out those who take advantage of God's grace and those who sit at the cross in humility.
Religious people are the ones who like to attack Paul (JUST LIKE THEY DID to Christ!). It is in man's heart to justify HIMSELF ( a side effect of guilt ).
Christ and His message DISARMS that hidden pride to justify.
If you study Christ's message, you will see that Paul expounded on the message of Christ and brought that light to the Gentiles.
Who needs Paul? I do, because Christ directly commissioned him and it's obvious to anyone that studies his writings that it bears the mark of Christ's words.
The Holy Spirit confirms it in my spirit and the Holy Spirit leads us into all truth. :-)
