The Bible: Are Paul’s Words God-Inspired?

Christians have a thing about quoting Paul more often than Jesus, if Jesus is quoted at all. Therefore, Christians (and Catholics alike) should properly be named Paulines as they are following Paulianity. Fundamentalists believe the whole Bible is the inerrant, inspired word of God. Here the attempt will be made to show the fallacy of that belief, as Paul distorted, twisted, and inserted his beliefs, to scripture. The following may disturb many, but it is important information. The point is made by the time you finish the conclusion.

Paul admits to preaching his gospel, not Jesus’.

Romans 2:16
In the day when God shall judge the secrets of
men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

Romans 16:25
Now to him that is of power to stablish you
according to my gospel, and the preaching of
Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the
mystery, which was kept secret since the world
began,

1 Timothy 1:11
According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

2 Timothy 2:8
Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel

Paul claims he is suffering for the salvation of others. But wasn’t that what Jesus already accomplished?

2 Timothy 2:9-10
Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

Speaking about marriage, Paul gives good sounding advice. But he admits it is his advice. Not Jesus’.

1 Corinthians 7:6
But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.

1 Corinthians 7:12-13
But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.

1 Corinthians 7:25
Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.

1 Corinthians 7:39-40
The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord. But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

We are to follow Christ, not men. Pastors are to preach the Gospel and bring people to Christ. People look at pastors who have “followers” as false prophets. Pastors have a fellowship, as pastors are equal to their congregation. So then shall Paul be considered a false prophet?

1 Corinthians 11:1
Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

Some may argue that Paul was following Christ and therefore is fine. But they neglect two things:
1) The Apostle Paul (Saul of Tarsus). Paul (chosen by Jesus post-resurrection) was out killing Christians and sent to arrest Peter. On the way he had a vision from Jesus. Following the vision, he converted. Paul only met Jesus spiritually.

2) Jesus states that not all who preach in His name will be saved. As shown below:
Matthew 7:21-23
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

We’re not necessarily suggesting the writings attributed to Paul shouldn’t be read, nor are we suggesting nothing in the writings attributed to Paul were God-inspired. We are saying that you must pay attention to the words. Some writings may very well be God-inspired. However, there are numerous areas where Paul clearly states what he is saying is of his opinion. What is clearly Pauls opinion is clearly not Gods words. Paul was man. Paul was were mere man as all of us. As today, God may speak through us at times, but mostly we speak of ourselves through our wisdom and spiritual maturity (or lack thereof).

At the sime time, anyone who professes “follow me” and instructs to abide by “my gospel” today would be seen as a false prophet. Such standards should not be changed simply because it’s in the Bible (largely pieced together by the Catholics in the 300’s).

Saul Paul became an Apostle after Jesus’ resurrection. He spent much time defending his apostleship, as is clearly stated throughout the New Testament:

1 Corinthians 9:1
Am I am not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work i n the Lord?

1 Corinthians 9:2
If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:9
For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle , because I persecuted the church of God.

1 Timothy 2:7
Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.

Though Peter and others accepted him, he seemed to feel inferior to the others (most likely due to his persecution of Christians before his conversion). With statements such as “follow me” and “according to my gospel”, either Paul is a false prophet or extremely poor with words.

Paul can be learned from. But Paul should not replace Jesus. Christians, we beg you to learn your Bible, grow in Christ, and preach and defend our faith by quoting from Jesus Himself. Are you to be known as Christians (followers of Christ) or Paulines (followers of Paul)?

Some may argue Jesus handpicked the Apostles, therefore they are perfect. We respond with the following:

Yes, Jesus selected the original Apostles. But they all served varying purposes and had varying personalities. They are far from your view of perfection. Judas turned Jesus over to be crucified and then committed suicide. Is that perfection? Peter was so sure of his faith in Jesus that he denied even knowing Jesus. Is that perfect?

That being considered, is it not possible Jesus also selected one whom He knew would be one of many anti-christs that He warns of? Would this not be done to test the very faith of His followers, known today as Christians? If so, many have failed this test, as they have become followers of Paul rather than Jesus.

To those who are willing to do your own research, begin with the following: Google and BibleGateway are wonderful tools when used being led by Jesus. You may also wish to begin with the following links: To love Jesus, you must hate Paul | Paul the Apostle | Twelve Apostles

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If you have any questions, you can direct them to the ministry by emailing SpiritualMessiahMinistries@gmail.com or the research arm of the ministry by emailing RevDrRedMinistries@gmail.com or the ministries news organization by emailing RedsRevelations@gmail.com