Do Jesus and Paul Differ?

A number of Bible teachers and writers are saying that Paul took the simple story of Jesus as we have it in the Gospels, and grafted upon that message a mass of speculative doctrines about sin and faith and salvation which Jesus himself never taught. The call of these teachers is to try and get Christians to rid themselves of Paul’s influence and to go back to Jesus. This may sound pious, but it is a dangerous teaching.


Since the writings of Paul constitute a major portion of the New Testament (which Brethren take as their “rule of faith and practice”), the implication that Paul differs from Jesus–teaching what Jesus did not teach–is a very serious charge. Do Jesus and Paul really differ? Is Paul’s teaching an unreliable addendum to what Jesus believed and taught?


We read the words of Jesus recorded in Acts 26:16. The account is a rehearsal of Paul’s encounter with Jesus Christ on the Damascus Road. Jesus says to Paul, “I have appeared to you for this purpose: to make you…a witness both of the things you have seen, and of the things which I will yet reveal to you” (Acts 26:16/NKJV). At the time of Paul’s conversion, he fell to the ground, a bright light shone around him, and Paul said, “Who art thou, Lord?” And the Lord said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting” (Acts 26:15). And then Jesus said, “Rise and stand on your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you…a witness both of the things which you have seen, and of the things which I will yet reveal to you.” Jesus said those words.


Jesus says that Paul was chosen to bear witness to Him, and to preach the Gospel of Christ to the nations. Paul certainly never had any idea that he was preaching anything except what Jesus authorized him to preach! No where in all the writings of Paul, is there a single passage that would lead us to believe that his gospel differs from the gospel of Jesus Christ.


Both Paul and Jesus, for example, taught the reality of Satan, and that evil spirits war against the souls of human beings. (Compare Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 22:31-34, and Ephesians 6:11-20). Jesus and Paul both speak of the devil as a real and active being.


Both Paul and Jesus preached about moral purity in the realm of sexual conduct. Paul said that “fornicators and adulterers God will judge” (Hebrews 13:4). Jesus said that there was adultery even in the repeated “glance of the eye” (Matthew 5:28).


Both Paul and Jesus preached the doctrine of love and forgiveness. (Compare Matthew 5:44 with Ephesians 4:32).


Both Paul and Jesus preached salvation through the blood which Jesus shed on the Cross. (Compare Matthew 26:28 with Ephesians 1:7).


It is true that Paul taught truth in some specific areas about which we have no record that Jesus spoke–but Jesus promised that divine truth would be “revealed” to Paul. In our day the writings of Paul are often taken apart and examined in every fine detail. Paul has been accused of being under rabbinic influence, of harboring negative attitudes toward women, and of lacking knowledge about modern science and psychology. And so Paul’s writings are discounted as the words of a confused man who exhibits a non-Christian spirit. But Paul went into much detail in Galatians 1:10-24 to establish the true source of his authority:


Paul spoke with the glorified Christ on the Damascus Road.


Paul’s message came not from human authority but from the divine Father.


Paul scarcely had any contact with the Twelve, but did spend time alone in Arabia.


Surely the New Testament letters of Paul (along with the complete Old Testament) are to be called “Scripture” (as the Apostle Peter spoke of Paul’s epistles in 2 Peter 3:16). Paul’s writings are indeed “the word of God” (1 Thessalonians 2: 13).


There is a subtle change today in the way many Brethren regard the Scripture. Alexander Mack spoke of the entire New Testament as the trustworthy Word of God. He said, “The orders, statutes, and laws which the Son of God and His apostles have ordained (of which the Scriptures testify outwardly)…this is the perfect will of the true Law-giver” (page 386, European Origins of the Brethren, Durnbaugh).


The current view of Scripture held by many Brethren is to place an emphasis on “following Jesus” and to minimize the writings of the apostles (especially parts of Paul’s epistles). This is a retreat from the historic Brethren emphasis on the entire New Testament as our source of information concerning the way of salvation, the pattern for living the Christian life, and even for gaining knowledge about who Jesus is. It is dishonest to imply that Alexander Mack and the early Brethren felt that Paul’s writings belonged to an inferior category.


–Harold S. Martin
September/October 1991
 

THE BOOK OF DANIEL

Captivity… Dreams… Rulers… Fire… Lions… Prayers… Kingdoms. From a dedicated youth to a faithful sage, Daniel’s life stands as an example to follow.  Yet beyond his personal life, God gifted Daniel with a message of future events.  Though difficult to grasp, these events would shape the world for the coming Messiah and the Second Coming of Christ as King.

STUDIES IN LUKE

Luke presents a warmly personal and historically accurate account of Jesus as “the Son of Man.” This course will survey the Third Gospel, with emphasis on the unique events, miracles, and parables of Jesus found in it.

HISTORY OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

This class will provide a broad overview of general church history. We will then focus on the Anabaptist and Pietist movements, especially as they relate to the formation and development of the Brethren groups. This is a two-part class. Plan to take both parts.

ONE FOUNDATION

This course is intended to lay down a measure in a world where truth is slippery and often subject to interpretation. Where “Christian Values” become a political slogan, and “good people” are our allies despite their faulty core beliefs. Where Facebook “friends” post memes about the power of God, despite a lifestyle that is anything but Godly. In the process we often fight among ourselves, doing Satan’s work for him. The purpose of this course is to lay the measure of Jesus Christ against the cults, religions, and worship in our contemporary world.

THE APOCRYPHA

While Protestant translations of the Bible contain 66 books, the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches recognize additional canonical books as well.  Where did these books, collectively known as the Apocrypha, come from and why aren’t they part of our Bible?  How reliable are they, and what value is there in studying them?

STUDIES IN 1 AND 2 PETER

The goal of this class is to acquire a firm grasp of the teachings and themes of these two general epistles. Peter covers topics from salvation and suffering to spiritual deception and the return of Christ. These letters are packed with warnings and encouragements for Christian living.

THE GREAT I AM’S OF CHRIST

A detailed study of Jesus Christ and His relationship to the “I Am” metaphors in John’s gospel. Why did Jesus describe himself in these terms? How do they relate to each other? We will look at spiritual and practical applications to further our Christian growth.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES: AN AMERICAN CULT

Have you ever been visited by someone who said they wanted to study the Bible with you so that you might discover the truth together?  Jehovah’s Witnesses claim to have much in common with evangelical Christians, and they seem to be well versed in the scriptures.  But what do they really believe and how can we effectively witness to those who have been ensnared by this false religion?

THE BOOK OF HOSEA

While we may consider Hosea as one of the minor prophets, his message vividly illustrates the major doctrine in all Scriptures.  The theme of God’s unconditional love is magnified and extended beyond those deserving it.  God expresses tender words towards His erring people inviting them to turn from sin to reconciliation with Him.

CHURCH LEADERSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION

This course will look at basic principles and polity of leading the local church. We will examine the balance between upholding a spiritually focused organism of ministry and cultivating proper order for effective organization. Practical applications will be emphasized. This is a two-part class. Plan to take both parts.

STATEMENT OF CONDUCT

The Brethren Bible Institute believes in the discipline of the whole person (spirit, soul, and body). We will aim to train students not only about how to study the Bible in a systematic way (2 Timothy 2:15), but also how to live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world (Titus 2:12). God calls Christians to the highest of character when He commands us to be holy (1 Peter 1:15), and holiness requires discipline.

Indulgence in the use of tobacco, alcoholic beverages, drugs, profanity, and gambling are forbidden at BBI. Objectionable literature will be prohibited. Students are asked not to use the college pool during the Institute. Each student must be thoughtful, and respect the rights of others at all times, especially during study and rest periods.

A friendly social group intermingling of students between class periods, and at general school activities is encouraged. Each student should enjoy the friendship of the entire group. At all times, highest standards of social conduct between men and women must be maintained. This means that all forms of unbecoming behavior and unseemly familiarities will be forbidden.

Personal appearance and grooming tell much about one's character. Students are expected to be dressed in good taste. In an attempt to maintain Scriptural expressions of simplicity, modesty, and nonconformity, the following regulations shall be observed while attending BBI.

MEN should be neatly attired and groomed at all times. Fashion extremes and the wearing of jewelry should be avoided on campus. The hair should not fall over the shirt-collar when standing, nor should it cover the ears.

WOMEN should wear skirts cut full enough and of sufficient length to at least come to the knees when standing and sitting. Form-fitting, transparent, low-neckline, or sleeveless clothing will not be acceptable. Slacks and culottes are permitted only for recreation and then only when worn under a skirt of sufficient length. Wearing jewelry should be avoided on campus. Long hair for women is encouraged and all Church of the Brethren girls (and others with like convictions) shall be veiled on campus.

The Institute reserves the right to dismiss any student whose attitude and behavior is not in harmony with the ideals of the School, or whose presence undermines the general welfare of the School, even if there is no specific breach of conduct.

The Brethren Bible Institute is intended to provide sound Bible teaching and wholesome Christian fellowship for all who desire it. The Bible School Committee worked hard and long at the task of arriving at standards, which will be pleasing to the Lord. It is not always easy to know just where the line should be drawn and we do not claim perfection. No doubt certain standards seem too strict for some and too loose for others. If you are one who does not share all these convictions, we hope you will agree to adjust to them for the School period, for the sake of those who do. We are confident that the blessings received will far outweigh any sacrifice you may have to make. If you have a special problem or question, please write to us about it. To be accepted as a student at BBI, you will need to sign a statement indicating that you will cooperate with the standards of the School.