Contradictory Message of Saul Paul

According to the New Testament, Paul (also known as Saul) did not meet Jesus during His lifetime. Paul was born a few years after Jesus’ time and was a devout Jew who initially persecuted early Christians. However, a transformative event on the road to Damascus changed the course of Paul’s life. According to the Bible, Paul experienced a profound vision where he encountered the resurrected Jesus, who questioned his actions and called him to become an Apostle. This encounter led to Paul’s conversion from a fierce opponent of Christianity to one of its most zealous proponents, Following his conversion, Paul traveled extensively across the Mediterranean, preaching the gospel and establishing Christian communities. He wrote numerous letters (epistles) that form a significant part of the New Testament, which express his teachings and interpretation of the Christian faith. Though Paul never personally met Jesus during His lifetime, his influence on the early church is undeniable, and he is often considered one of the most pivotal figures in the spread of Christianity, However, it’s important to note that some scholars and critics have questioned the authenticity of Paul’s writings and teachings. Over time, interpretations of his letters have varied, and there is debate about how much of Paul’s message was shaped by his own ideas versus the original teachings of Jesus. Some even argue that Paul’s theology diverged from the message of Jesus in certain respects, leading some to view him as a controversial figure in the development of Christian doctrine. While it is not meant to discredit Paul’s character, there is a perspective that his teachings, shaped over time, may have contributed to the formation of doctrines that some critics associate with divergent or opposing beliefs to the original Christian teachings, leading to the notion of him as an “antichrist” figure in some interpretations.

The Bible Shows the Apostle Paul as the Antichrist

There are many contradictions in the letters of the Apostle Paul that are found in the New Testament of the Bible. For example:

Matthew 5:28
But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

• This verse is part of the Sermon on the Mount, in which Jesus is teaching his followers about the importance of inner righteousness and the dangers of allowing sinful thoughts to take root in one’s heart. The verse is often interpreted as a warning against allowing one’s thoughts and desires to lead to sinful behavior.

1 Corinthians 16:20-22 Paul
All the brothers and sisters here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss. The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. If anyone does not love the Lord, let him be under a curse. Come, O Lord.

• 1 Corinthians 16:20-22 – Paul writes to the Christian community in Corinth, sending greetings and encouraging them to greet one another with a “holy kiss.” This practice was common in the early church, symbolizing unity and affection among believers. However, the idea of physically kissing one another as a greeting raises questions when compared to teachings like Matthew 5:28, where Jesus warns against lustful desires, stating that even looking at someone with lust is sinful. Kissing, though a cultural practice in the early church, can lead to sexual temptation, which seems to contradict Jesus’ teachings on purity. Today, most Christians don’t follow this practice literally, often interpreting the “holy kiss” as a symbolic gesture of peace and love. It’s important to note that this practice was not directly instituted by Jesus, but rather developed by early church tradition, which has since evolved in interpretation.

Matthew 23:15 Jesus
Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when you have succeeded, you make them twice as much a child of hell as you are.

• This verse highlights Jesus’ condemnation of the Pharisees’ hypocrisy and legalism. He accuses them of being more concerned with making converts to their own rigid religious system than guiding people towards true righteousness. The Pharisees went to great lengths—traveling long distances, to win followers, but Jesus points out that once they succeeded, they led those new converts into an even more distorted form of religion, making them “twice as much a child of hell” as they were, Jesus’ criticism is not just about their zeal for making converts; it’s about their failure to lead people to a relationship with God. Instead, they imposed burdensome laws and traditions that obscured the true message of salvation and righteousness. Rather than nurturing people spiritually, the Pharisees’ teachings were harmful, binding people to legalistic practices that did not bring them closer to God, This criticism can be extended beyond the Pharisees to any figure or group, such as false apostles or teachers, who prioritize gaining followers or enforcing their own doctrines over guiding others towards the true path of righteousness as taught by Jesus. Jesus’ message emphasizes that genuine spirituality is not about external rituals or legalistic obedience, but about love, grace, and a sincere relationship with God, Thus, Matthew 23:15 reflects Jesus’ strong condemnation of religious leaders who mislead people into a form of religion that doesn’t lead to salvation, but to spiritual harm instead. It serves as a warning about the dangers of following leaders who focus more on power, influence, and control than on the true principles of God’s teachings.

• 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (Paul):
  Paul writes in 1 Corinthians that, despite his freedom, he has made himself a “slave” to everyone in order to win as many people as possible to the gospel. He states, “To the Jews I became like a Jew… To those under the law I became like one under the law… To those not having the law I became like one not having the law…” Paul claims that he adopts different identities to connect with various groups, Jews, Gentiles, or the weak, in order to convert them to Christianity.

  This approach raises concerns, as it suggests that Paul’s tactics are deceptive, he changes his behavior and appearance to fit in with different groups, not as a genuine transformation of heart but as a method to “lure” people into the Christian faith. Critics argue that this is where missionaries, who often adopt similar methods today, justify using deceptive tactics, like pretending to be humanitarian workers in regions like Africa or Iran and India , only to covertly seek to convert others to Christianity. These tactics can be seen as manipulative, as they involve pretending to be part of a different belief system—just as Paul said he became like Jews or Gentiles to win them over.

  This method of deception can be troubling when viewed through the lens of Matthew 23:15, where Jesus condemns religious leaders who deceive and mislead others in their zeal for converting them. Jesus’ warning in this verse, “You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when you have succeeded, you make them twice as much a child of hell as you are”—aligns with the criticism of Paul’s approach. Some view Paul’s strategy as one that, while seemingly outwardly helpful, leads to the promotion of a “false faith” that could mislead people from the truth of Christ’s original teachings.

  Acts 23:6 (Paul as a Pharisee):
  In Acts 23:6, Paul declares, “I am a Pharisee, descended from Pharisees.” He explicitly identifies himself with the Pharisees, the same religious group that Jesus often criticized for their hypocrisy and legalism. This is significant because Paul’s early life and training were deeply rooted in the Pharisaic tradition, yet he later claims to have experienced a transformation in his teachings. Critics of Paul, however, may argue that despite his alleged transformation, Paul continued to carry some of the legalistic tendencies from his Pharisaic background into his ministry, which contradicts Jesus’ message of grace over law.

  Acts 21:27 (Accusation of Defiling the Temple):
  In Acts 21:27, Paul is accused by Jews in Jerusalem of teaching against the law, the people, and the temple. They claim that Paul has defiled the temple by bringing Gentiles (non-Jews) into the inner courts, something forbidden by Jewish law. This accusation implies that Paul was seen as a figure who was undermining the traditions and the sanctity of the Jewish faith. The Jewish leaders viewed him as a false apostle, someone who was not abiding by the Jewish laws and customs but was instead promoting a new, potentially dangerous interpretation of faith. This criticism echoes the concerns many had about Paul’s teachings diverging from the original teachings of Jesus and potentially leading others astray.

  Romans 7:25 (Paul’s Struggle with Sin):
  In Romans 7:25, Paul acknowledges the internal struggle between his desire to obey God’s law and the influence of his sinful nature: “Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.” This passage shows Paul’s admission that despite his efforts to follow God’s law, he is still influenced by his sinful nature. In light of this, critics argue that Paul’s struggles with sin and his interpretation of God’s commandments led him to adapt or even change certain laws and teachings, potentially leading to inconsistencies in his message.

Luke 10:18 Jesus
JESUS said to them ” I SAW SATAN FALL, LIKE LIGHTNING, FROM HEAVEN.

In this verse, Jesus speaks about Satan’s fall from heaven, referencing the rebellion of Satan against God. This statement could also be viewed as a prophecy, one that correlates with Paul’s encounter on the road to Damascus, as described in Acts 9. Jesus’ description of Satan falling “like lightning” aligns with Paul’s own experience of encountering a bright light from heaven. The similarity between the imagery of Satan’s fall like lightning and the light from heaven that Paul saw suggests that Paul’s encounter was not with Jesus, but rather with Satan.

1. Acts 9:3-4 (Paul)

   “As Saul journeyed, he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven (lightning) shone around him and he fell to the ground.”

   In this passage, Paul describes his encounter with a light from heaven that caused him to fall. Given that Luke 10:18 speaks of Satan falling like lightning, the encounter described here might not be with Jesus, but rather with a deceptive force. The bright light that Paul saw could have been a manifestation of Satan’s presence. This, coupled with the warning in Matthew 24:26-29 and Mark 13:22-23, raises the possibility that Paul did not meet Jesus but was instead misled by a false experience.

2. Revelation 12:9 (Satan’s Fall)

   “The great dragon was cast out of heaven, that serpent of old called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth and his angels were cast out with him.”

   This verse details Satan’s expulsion from heaven and his deceitful influence over the earth. Satan, described as the serpent, is said to deceive the whole world. This is significant because Paul’s encounter with the light from heaven in Acts 9 could be interpreted as a deceptive vision from Satan, not Christ. Additionally, the serpent’s association with deception is mirrored by the scales that fell from Paul’s eyes, as described later in Acts, symbolizing the influence of Satan.

3. Acts 9:18 (Paul)

   “There fell from Saul’s eyes something like scales.”

   In this verse, Paul describes something like scales falling from his eyes after his encounter. The term scales is noteworthy because it refers to the body of a serpent, tying back to the reference in Revelation 12:9, where Satan is described as the serpent who deceives the world. This detail strengthens the argument that Paul’s experience was not a divine encounter with Jesus, but rather a misleading vision linked to Satan’s deceptive tactics.

4. 2 Corinthians 12:7 (Paul)

   “Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.”

   In this passage, Paul mentions that he was given a “thorn in the flesh”—a messenger of Satan—to keep him humble. This reference further ties Paul to Satan’s influence. The “messenger of Satan” is believed by some scholars to refer to a constant struggle or affliction that Paul faced, which could be linked to the deceptive nature of his initial experience with the light from heaven. This torment from Satan fits into the larger context of Paul being under the influence of deceptive forces, rather than being directly led by Jesus.

5. Matthew 24:26-29 & Mark 13:22-23 (Jesus)

   “So if anyone tells you, ‘There he is, out in the wilderness,’ do not go out; or, ‘Here he is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man… False messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”

   In these passages, Jesus explicitly warns against anyone claiming to have met Him after His ascension. The true Messiah’s return will be visible to all, like lightning across the sky. However, Paul’s encounter on the road to Damascus contradicts this warning, as he claims to have met Jesus after His ascension. This claim directly conflicts with Jesus’ prophecy, indicating that Paul’s experience could not have been a legitimate encounter with Christ, but possibly a deception from Satan, as Jesus warned of false prophets and false messiahs performing signs to deceive others.

6. Acts 9:1-11 (Paul)

   “Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest, and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus… And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus, and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven, and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, ‘Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? Who are you, Lord?’ Saul asked. ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied.”

   In this passage, Paul describes his encounter with a voice from heaven that identifies itself as Jesus. However, based on Matthew 24 and Mark 13, Jesus warns that no one should claim to meet Him after His ascension. This directly challenges the authenticity of Paul’s claim that he met Jesus on the road to Damascus. The light from heaven that Paul describes is suspiciously similar to the lightning mentioned in Luke 10:18 and Matthew 24:27, suggesting that Paul’s encounter may not have been with Christ, but rather with a deceptive force such as Satan.

7. Acts 19:11-12 (Paul)

   “God was performing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that handkerchiefs or aprons were even carried from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out.”

   Paul is said to have performed extraordinary miracles, including healing the sick and casting out evil spirits. However, in Mark 13:22-23, Jesus warns that false prophets and messiahs will also perform signs and wonders to deceive, even the elect. The miracles performed by Paul could be a manifestation of false signs, aligning with Jesus’ warnings about deceitful figures performing miraculous acts to lead others astray.

8. Acts 9:19 & Acts 11:26 (Paul)

   “And after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.”
   “And when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.”

   While these verses describe Paul’s role in spreading Christianity and teaching others, they also reveal how the name “Christian” came to be used long after Jesus’ ascension. Jesus never used the term “Christian” during His lifetime; it was coined by others to describe His followers. The term was likely applied to those who followed the teachings of Jesus as spread by His apostles, including Paul. Over time, Paul’s influence became more prominent, and his teachings, which some argue were distinct in certain ways from the original message of Jesus, were central to the growth of the Christian movement. This shift in terminology shows how Paul’s influence spread after Jesus’ ascension, leading some to question the authenticity of Paul’s teachings and whether they fully aligned with the teachings of Christ.

9. Acts 13:1-3 (Paul)

   Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul.

   In Acts 13:1-3, we can see Paul and his prophets, just as Jesus warned. Also, in the Gospel of Barnabas, which is rejected by Christians, it is mentioned that Paul was deceived, After Jesus had departed, the disciples scattered through the different parts of Israel and of the world, and the truth, hated of Satan, was persecuted, as it always is, by falsehood. For certain evil men, pretending to be disciples, preached that Jesus died and rose not again. Others preached that he really died, but rose again. Others preached, and yet preach, that Jesus is the Son of God, among whom is Paul deceived. But we, as much as I have written, that preach we to those who fear God, that they may be saved in the last day of God’s Judgment. Amen.

When examining the biblical passages about Paul’s encounter with the light from heaven, it becomes apparent that Paul’s experience cannot be considered a legitimate meeting with Jesus. Instead, it appears more likely that Paul encountered Satan, or was influenced by a deceptive force. The light from heaven that Paul saw is reminiscent of the lightning described in Luke 10:18, where Jesus speaks of Satan falling from heaven. Additionally, Paul’s encounter contradicts Jesus’ warning in Matthew 24 and Mark 13, where He warns against anyone claiming to have met Him after His ascension. Moreover, Paul’s miracles and his role in spreading a different interpretation of Christianity—one that diverged from the original teachings of Jesus—are consistent with the false messiah and false prophet warnings in the Gospels. These signs of deception, coupled with his thorn in the flesh and the scales that fell from his eyes (symbolizing the serpent’s influence), all point to the likelihood that Paul’s conversion was not divine, but rather a result of Satan’s influence, Therefore, Paul likely never met Jesus, and instead, his encounter was with Satan, fulfilling the warnings Jesus gave about false prophets and deceptive experiences in the end times.

John 14:15 Jesus
If you love me, keep my commands.

• Jesus, in passages like John 14:15 and Matthew 5:17-19, emphasizes the importance of obeying God’s commandments. Jesus is clear that love for him is shown through adherence to his commands. Additionally, he speaks about fulfilling the law rather than abolishing it, reinforcing the importance of the law.
• On the other hand, Paul appears to present a different view, especially in books like Romans and Galatians, where he argues that salvation comes through faith and not by the works of the law (e.g., Romans 3:28, Galatians 5:4-8). He insists that following the law doesn’t justify anyone before God, and, in fact, law-keeping leads to condemnation because of the inherent sinfulness of humanity (Romans 7:9-11).

Obedience to the Commandments (Jesus vs. Paul)

• Jesus:
  In passages like John 14:15 and Matthew 5:17-19, Jesus clearly emphasizes the importance of obeying God’s commandments. He asserts that love for him is demonstrated through obedience to his commands. Jesus speaks about fulfilling the law rather than abolishing it, reinforcing the enduring significance of God’s commandments and moral law.

• Paul:
  Paul, however, in his letters, especially Romans and Galatians, argues that salvation comes through faith and not by the works of the law. In Romans 3:28, he famously states, “A person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.” Paul teaches that adhering to the law cannot save, as it highlights human sinfulness and the need for Christ’s redemptive work (Romans 7:9-11).

Faith vs. Works of the Law

• Jesus:
  While Jesus underscores obedience to God’s commandments for entering the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 7:21, John 14:15), he doesn’t negate the role of faith. His teachings reflect a balance where both faith and works are essential. Jesus insists that both loving God and neighbor through the law and having a genuine faith are necessary for salvation.

• Paul:
  Paul, in contrast, emphasizes that salvation is by faith alone, not by works of the law. In Romans 3:20 and Galatians 2:20-21, he insists that no one is justified by the law. The law, for Paul, serves to reveal humanity’s sinfulness, while righteousness and eternal life come solely through faith in Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law’s requirements on behalf of believers.

The Role of Circumcision (Paul vs. Jesus/Old Testament)

• Old Testament (Jesus Included):
  Circumcision is presented in the Old Testament, particularly in Genesis 17:9-14, as a physical covenant between God and his people. Jesus himself was circumcised as an infant, fulfilling the law (Luke 2:21), and he lived in adherence to Jewish customs during his earthly ministry.

• Paul:
  Paul, however, rejects circumcision as a requirement for salvation, particularly in Galatians 5:2, stating that returning to circumcision nullifies God’s grace. For Paul, the essential matter is faith in Christ, not adherence to physical rituals like circumcision. He teaches that circumcision or lack thereof has no bearing on one’s salvation, as faith in Jesus is what justifies.

The Role of Jesus and His God (Jesus vs. Paul)

• Jesus:
  In the Gospels, Jesus frequently acknowledges the supremacy of God the Father. In passages like John 14:28 and Mark 10:18, Jesus humbly points out that the Father is greater than him. He stresses that his mission is to reveal and do the will of the Father, not to glorify himself. This highlights his obedience to the Father and his role in fulfilling God’s plan.

• Paul:
  Paul, however, frequently refers to Jesus as Lord and emphasizes faith in Christ for salvation (Romans 6:23, Acts 16:31). While Paul acknowledges God the Father, his writings tend to elevate Jesus more directly as the center of the Christian faith. Jesus’ role in salvation is paramount in Paul’s theology, focusing on Jesus’ death and resurrection as the means for humanity to be reconciled to God.

Paul as the Least of the Apostles and a Deceiver (Jesus vs. Paul’s Self-Identification)

• Paul’s Self-Identification:
  Paul himself acknowledges his unworthiness in 1 Corinthians 15:9, where he refers to himself as “the least of the apostles,” stating that he doesn’t deserve to be called an apostle because he persecuted the church of God. Paul sees his transformation and apostleship as a gift of God’s grace rather than something earned. This sense of humility is a defining feature of his character.

• Jesus’ Rebuke:
  In some interpretations, Paul is also seen as a figure who, due to his early persecution of Christians, could be considered a “deceiver” before his conversion. While Jesus doesn’t explicitly call Paul a “deceiver” in the Gospels, Paul’s past as a persecutor of the church (Acts 9:1-9) and his later role in spreading the Gospel provides a dramatic example of divine grace transforming someone who once opposed the Christian faith. The narrative of Paul’s life exemplifies redemption and a profound change from a self-described enemy of Christ to a champion of the Gospel.