As mentioned previously (primarily on pages 31 & 32 herein), Paul tended to inspire vehement argument and aggressive opposition whenever & wherever he preached. Indeed, he is seen arguing with Hellenists in Acts 9:29, debating with Judean Jews in Acts 15:2, disagreeing sharply with Barnabas in Acts 15:39, haranguing Thessalonians in Acts 17:2, quarreling with Athenians in Acts 17:17, squabbling with Corinthians in Acts 18:4, bickering with Ephesians in Acts 19:8-9, stirring up dissension between Pharisees & Sadducees in Acts 23:6-9, and inspiring stark disagreement amongst Roman Jews in Acts 28:24-25. But it was not only the author of Acts who portrayed him in this light, as even in his own letters Paul openly brags about “destroying [others’] arguments” (2 Corinthians 10:4), brazenly curses his religious opponents (see 1 Corinthians 4:14, Galatians 1:9, & Galatians 3:1-3 et al), and encourages his followers to reject and “drive out the wicked from among you” (1 Corinthians 5:12-13) … Jesus Christ, on the other hand, is repeatedly shown in quite a different light – repeatedly calling for peace and harmony amongst friends & enemies alike (see Matthew 5:9, Matthew 5:22, Matthew 5:44-48, Matthew 18:21-22, Matthew 24:12-14, Mark 11:25, Luke 6:27-36, Luke 10:29-37, John 13:15-17, & John 13:34-35 et al), teaching others his loving Gospel calmly “with authority” (see Matthew 7:29, Mark 1:27, & Luke 4:32) – others who often refused to debate him at all and who were regularly “astounded at his teaching” (see Matthew 7:28, Matthew 12:23, Matthew 13:54, Matthew 22:33, Mark 1:22, Mark 10:24, Mark 11:18, Luke 2:47, & Luke 4:32 – also Luke 19:48 & John 7:46).

Filed under: Jesus & the Cult of Paul by Scaughdt