Description: Thi s article exposes the undeniable
contradictions in Paul's conduct—claiming to be an apostle to the Gentiles
while repeatedly preaching in Jewish synagogues. Through explicit timeline
references and scriptural evidence, this study unveils a deception that many
Christian denominations avoid discussing.
Hook Statement: If Paul truly turned his back on the
Jews, why did he return to their synagogues again and again? This question may
uncover one of the greatest deceptions in church history.
Introduction: Paul is widely regarded by many Christians
as a faithful apostle of Jesus Christ, divinely appointed to preach to the
Gentiles. Yet a closer look into his letters and actions paints a very
different picture—one riddled with self-contradiction. While he boldly declared
that he turned away from the Jews to preach only to the Gentiles, the Book of
Acts shows him continually returning to Jewish synagogues to preach his own
invented gospel. If Paul was indeed commissioned solely for the Gentiles, why
was he persistently attempting to convince the Jews?
This article explores the inconsistencies in Paul's conduct using a biblical timeline, bringing into focus a truth that is often ignored by mainstream churches.
Paul’s Bold Declaration: “I Will Go to the Gentiles” Here
are some of Paul's declarations that he had turned away from the Jews:
- Acts
13:46 (~47–48 AD) – “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since
you reject it... we now turn to the Gentiles.”
- Acts
18:6 (~51 AD) – “From now on I will go to the Gentiles!”
- Acts
22:21 (~57 AD) – “Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go; I will send you far away
to the Gentiles.’”
These statements suggest a decisive break from the
Jews—but his actions betray a different reality.
Contradictions in Action: Paul Keeps Returning to the
Jews Despite his declarations, Paul repeatedly preached in Jewish synagogues:
- Acts
14:1 (~48 AD) – “Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish
synagogue...”
- Acts
17:1–2 (~50 AD) – “As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on
three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures.”
- Acts
18:4 (~51–52 AD) – “Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue...”
- Acts
19:8 (~53–54 AD) – “Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly for three
months...”
These verses reveal that Paul could not truly abandon the
Jews, contradicting his own words.
Paul’s Adaptability: A Chameleon Apostle
- 1
Corinthians 9:20–22 (~55 AD) – “To the Jews I became like a Jew... to
those not having the law I became like one not having the law... I have
become all things to all people.”
Such behavior reflects inconsistency and opportunism, not
the integrity of a true prophet.
But this raises a deeper question: If Paul truly claimed
to become “like a Jew” when among the Jews, then what was the real intent
behind his supposed letter to the Hebrews? Was it to affirm the Torah and
uphold its sanctity—or to persuade the Jews to abandon it altogether as
obsolete? And if the Law was never obsolete in the teachings of Jesus, why did
Paul, a self-proclaimed apostle to the Gentiles, feel the need to instruct the
Jews at all?
The Teachings of Christ: A Clear Mission to Israel Jesus’
mission was clearly defined:
- Matthew
15:24 (~31 AD) – “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”
- Matthew
10:5–6 (~30 AD) – “Do not go among the Gentiles... Go rather to the lost
sheep of Israel.”
Jesus never deviated from His mission, but Paul invented
a new one, reversing Christ’s clear command.
The Letter to the Hebrews: Paul’s Overreach. Though the
authorship of Hebrews is debated, it is widely attributed to Paul, and it contains blatant contradictions to
Christ’s teachings:
- Hebrews
8:13 (~63–65 AD) – “By calling this covenant ‘new,’ he has made the first
one obsolete.”
This clearly opposes Jesus’ own words:
- Matthew
5:17 (~30–33 AD) – “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law... I
have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”
Why would Paul, supposedly sent to the Gentiles, write to
the Hebrews (Jews) and instruct them to abandon the Law? This letter reveals
Paul’s disregard for jurisdiction and his intent to dismantle the Law.
Chronology of Paul's Contradictions (Approximate Dates):
- ~30–33
AD – Jesus teaches the Law is eternal (Matt 5:17).
- ~47–48
AD – Paul declares he turns to the Gentiles (Acts 13:46).
- ~48
AD – Paul preaches in the Jewish synagogue (Acts 14:1).
- ~50
AD – Again, Paul teaches in synagogues (Acts 17:1–2).
- ~51
AD – Declares departure from Jews (Acts 18:6).
- ~51–52
AD – Continues preaching to Jews (Acts 18:4).
- ~53–54
AD – Still in Jewish synagogues (Acts 19:8).
- ~55
AD – Paul admits to being “all things to all people” (1 Cor 9:20–22).
- ~57
AD – Claims divine instruction to go to Gentiles (Acts 22:21).
- ~63–65
AD – Authors Hebrews, declaring the Law obsolete (Heb 8:13).
Final Reflection: A Conflicted Missionary Paul’s repeated
re-engagement with the Jews, despite his verbal rejection of them, and his
written contradictions against the Law and Gospel of the Kingdom, undermine the
credibility of his apostleship. The inconsistency between his words and actions
presents him not as a faithful servant of Christ, but as a deceiver with his
own agenda.
A Question for the Truth-Seeking Reader: If Paul truly
believed he was only sent to the Gentiles, what business did he have writing to
the Hebrews—convincing them to abandon the Law that Jesus Himself upheld?
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why is Paul called the “Apostle to the Gentiles”?
Paul claimed in his own letters that he was appointed by God to preach to the Gentiles. However, this claim is self-declared, not confirmed by Christ or the original apostles who were eyewitnesses to Jesus’ ministry.
2. What contradictions are found in Paul’s teachings?
Paul often contradicted the words of Jesus—for instance, teaching salvation by faith alone while Jesus emphasized obedience, repentance, and righteousness as the path to eternal life (Matthew 7:21, John 14:15).
3. How did Paul’s actions contradict his own claims?
Although Paul declared himself the apostle to the Gentiles, he repeatedly preached in Jewish synagogues instead, opposing the very mission he claimed to fulfill. His actions reveal inconsistency between his words and conduct.
4. Did the true apostles recognize Paul’s authority?
No. The original apostles—those who walked with Christ—never ordained Paul nor cited him as a fellow witness. In fact, their silence regarding his letters suggests separation rather than approval of his teachings.
5. How did Paul’s writings alter early Christianity?
Paul’s epistles introduced a new gospel centered on personal belief rather than obedience to God’s commandments. This shift redirected faith from the Kingdom message of Jesus to a theology of grace detached from the Law.
6. What is the danger of following Paul’s doctrines?
Following Paul’s teachings can lead believers away from the Spirit of Truth that spoke through Jesus. To uphold Paul over Christ is to risk rejecting the Holy Spirit’s own words recorded by the eyewitnesses.
7. What should believers follow instead?
Return to the teachings of Jesus, Matthew, John, and James—the true witnesses who preserved the original Gospel of the Kingdom. Their writings reflect the Spirit of God, untainted by human distortion.
Blessing and Farewell: May the light of truth guide you
to seek the genuine teachings of the Messiah. Walk in clarity, not confusion.
May you discern what is true and eternal.
Like, Share, and Subscribe: If this article opened your
eyes to a truth rarely spoken, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to The Light Giver. Together, let’s shine light on the Gospel that Christ
Himself taught.
Shalom.
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