Dd-72. Is the APOSTLE PAUL a FALSE TEACHER? DOWNLOAD to SAVE as a PDF Doc to read OFFLINE.
Dd-76. Is the APOSTLE PAUL a FALSE TEACHER?
Now to most Christians to ask such a question as “Is the Apostle Paul a false teacher” is foolishness to them, but regardless of how foolish such a question may be to most Christians does not mean that this question should not be addressed with the seriousness that it deserves. For you see, there are indeed some dear brothers and sisters in our Lord Jesus Christ, who are struggling with their faith, because of the teachings that deny not only the Apostleship of Paul as being a true Apostle of Jesus Christ, but also deems Paul as a false teacher. When I first heard that there were some Christians, who are teaching that Paul was a false prophet, a false apostle, and a false teacher the thought came to me as WHY would some Christians even want Paul to be found to be a false teacher? I mean what is the POINT? What PURPOSE would it serve for them if so be that Paul was a false teacher and not a true Apostle of Jesus? So I began my search into this teaching of Paul being a false teacher with this question in mind and I found that among those, who try to prove Paul to be a false teacher are number one atheists, number two Muslims of Islam, and number three Messianic Jews and those of the Hebrew Roots Movement, who are trying to reintroduce Judaism into Christianity, teaching that Christians must keep all the Torah or all the Law of Moses. So then, since we know who is trying to prove Paul to be a false teacher, it is easy to see that this raising of doubt and confusion to the body of Jesus Christ is of Satan and is most definitely not by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of Almighty God. I mean just think about this for a moment. IF SO BE that Paul is proven, in the minds of some dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, to be a false teacher, then this would mean that all of the New Testament that was written by Paul must be rejected as NOT being part of the Bible. I mean you can not pick and choose what words of Paul you want to believe and then reject the rest of what Paul teaches as blaspheming the words of Jesus. And when one rejects all the teachings of Paul, then not only do they reject the books of the New Testament that were written by Paul, but they also reject ALL of the books that are written by the OTHER Apostles as well. For you see, all of the OTHER Apostles of Jesus do indeed recognized Paul as an Apostle called by God to minister to the Gentiles. And therefore, if a Christians rejects the teachings of the Apostle Paul, then they must rejected ALL of the Apostles of Jesus as well. I mean, how could one honestly trust a book written by a person, who agrees with the teachings of Paul IF Paul is indeed a false teacher? Think this through for yourselves my dear brothers and sisters in our Lord Jesus Christ. The one thing that Satan wants most is to steal the word of God from believers. Jesus made this very clear to us in the parable of the sower sowing the seed of God's word and Satan came immediately to steal the word from those who heard God's word. If Satan cannot steal the word, then he tries to choke it out. When that does not work he then brings the rise of persecution for the word's sake. So then, it should be clear to every believer that ANY teaching that tries to undermine the inspiration of the word of Almighty God is of the devil. Therefore, the THREE groups that teach that Paul is a false teacher and/or a false Apostle of Jesus are of Satan the devil.
Group number one are atheists.
Atheists have always been trying to prove that Christianity is just a big waste of time because to an atheist there is no God. And since there is no God to an atheist, then there also is no Son of God to die for any one's sins. Therefore, ALL of Christianity is false teaching, according to atheists. Thus, to THEM, the Bible is just a book of fiction in their eyes. Satan comes but to steal, kill, and destroy, and if he can DECEIVE people to believe that any part of God's word is NOT the truth, then he has won.
Group number two are Muslims.
Muslims also have always been trying to prove that Christianity is false and that Jesus is not the Son of the one true and only Almighty God. The Bible teaches us to TRY the spirits to see whether or not they are of God and according to 1 John chapter 4:1 any person or group of people that do not believe that Jesus is the Son of the one true and only Almighty God is ANTICHRIST and is of Satan the devil. So then, since these first two of the three groups teach that Paul is a false teacher, we will not consider them for they are of Satan the devil. Then what makes group number three to supposedly not be of the synagogue of Satan? I mean, how are those of the Hebrew Roots Movement and Sabbath keeping Christians any different from the first two groups? For you see, all three groups undermine the authority of the entire New Testament by teaching that Paul is a false teacher. Group number three includes the JEWS and all JUDAIZING groups of Christians. From the very beginning the Jews have been trying to prove that Christianity itself is false and that Jesus was neither the Son of Almighty God nor the Messiah. For you see, the JEWS rejected the teachings of Jesus as a whole. And even those Jews, who did believe that Jesus was their Messiah had trouble at first understanding Paul's teachings. But eventually, they saw that God was with Paul even as they saw that God was with Jesus and the other Apostles of Jesus. Please read Acts 23:9, which is accredited to Luke as being the writer of the book of Acts. In that verse of Scripture we see the Pharisees and the Sadducees saying that they could find no fault or no evil in Paul. And we can see that some of the Jews even feared that it may very well be that Paul really did hear from God. And thus, THEY would be found guilty of fighting against Almighty God Himself if they fought against the teachings of Paul. They may have had some doubts, but they feared God that if they were WRONG and Paul was indeed teaching the truth, then they would be fighting against God by fighting against the teachings of Paul.
Acts 23:9.
“And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, let us NOT fight against God.”
So I ask those of you, who teach against Paul by dogmatically demanding that Paul is a false teacher and even a false Apostle, are you absolutely sure that you are NOT fighting against Almighty God himself by fighting against one of his servants? Did not Paul lift up the name of Jesus and teach that he was the Son of Almighty God? Did not Paul teach the death and resurrection of Jesus? And does not the Apostle John say that we are to TRY the spirits to see whether they are of God? And does not the Apostle John go on to say that no man can say that Jesus has come in the flesh EXCEPT they say it by the Holy Spirit of Almighty God himself? Please read 1 John 4:1-3 which was NOT written by Paul. 1 John 4:1-3.
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but TRY the spirits whether they are OF God: because many FALSE prophets are gone out into the world. 2. Hereby KNOW you the Spirit OF God: EVERY spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is OF God: 3. And every spirit that confesses not that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof you have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” So then, let us try the spirit of Paul's teaching to see whether or not it is OF Almighty God. Did not Paul have that same SPIRIT of Almighty God dwelling in him that boldly CONFESSES that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh? The answer is yes! Paul did indeed preach and teach by the Holy Spirit of Almighty God that Jesus was indeed the Son of God, the Christ, and that God was dwelling in Christ Jesus in the flesh.
Please read 2 Corinthians 5:14-19.
“For the love of Christ constrains us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15. And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 16. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the FLESH, yet now henceforth know we him no more. (This is saying that we as Christians are NOT knowing or NOT following ANY MAN after the flesh, or according to the flesh. Yet we have known Christ according to the FLESH, but NOW we no longer know or perceive Jesus after or according to the FLESH. WHY? Because we are a NEW creature IN Jesus Christ and we are no longer after the FLESH. Paul is NOT saying that he no longer FOLLOWS the teaching of Jesus like the Jesus Words Only Christians CLAIM this verse means, because Paul teaches us to follow him AS HE FOLLOWS Jesus. The CONTEXT here is that Jesus died for US so that we no longer have to live AFTER the FLESH. So what does living after the FLESH mean here in this CONTEXT seeing that Jesus himself is said to be after the FLESH? This means that Jesus was born UNDER the LAW and that Jesus served and kept the LAW of God AFTER or according to the FLESH in order to set us FREE from the LAW of sin and death to NOW follow after the LAW of the Spirit of life in Jesus Christ, Romans 8:1,2) 17. THEREFORE, if any man be IN Christ, he is a NEW creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become NEW. 18. And all things are of God, who has reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19. To wit, that God was IN Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and has committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” Nowhere do I myself find that ANY of the Apostles of Jesus spoke AGAINST Paul as being a FALSE Apostle or as a FALSE teacher. So then, to ME, since NOT even ONE other Apostle of Jesus even remotely warned us that the teachings of Paul did not line up or agree with the teachings of Jesus, then I myself must QUESTION the MOTIVES of WHY some Christians NEED Paul to be a false teacher. I will expound on what I mean by this shortly. But for now, we are trying the spirit of Paul's teaching to see whether it is OF God or not.
Please read Colossians 1:12-25.
“Giving thanks unto the Father, which has made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13. Who has delivered us from the power of darkness, and has translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14. In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15. Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16. For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17. And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19. For it pleased the Father that IN him should all fullness DWELL; 20. And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. 21. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now has he reconciled 22. In the body of his FLESH through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: 23. If you continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which you have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; 24. Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: 25. Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God;”
Again, nowhere do I find in the teachings of Paul that he DENIES that Jesus is the CHRIST, the SON OF the living God. Paul teaches the same things that the Apostle John teaches which is what Christ or the anointing came in the flesh of Jesus. Paul taught us that Jesus was a MAN IN whom God dwelt to show us clearly the Father.
Please read 1 Timothy 3:14-16.
“These things write I unto you, hoping to come unto you shortly: 15. But if I tarry long, that you may know how you ought to behave yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 16. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”
God was MANIFEST in the FLESH which means that God was CLEARLY SHOWN to be dwelling IN the FLESH of Jesus. The word manifest means to clearly show. Jesus came to clearly show or to MANIFEST to us the TRUE CHARACTER of Almighty God the Father. Jesus said that the Father, IN me, HE does the works. Luke says in Acts 10:38 how God ANOINTED Jesus and that Jesus went about doing GOOD healing all who were oppressed of the devil for God was WITH him. The anointing of God means that the eternal Spirit DWELLS IN us in the SAME way that he also dwelt IN Jesus. The Holy Spirit empowers US the same as he also empowered Jesus. Paul did not teach with the wisdom of men. But rather, Paul preached the gospel in the demonstration of POWER of the Holy Spirit of Almighty God. Please read 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, which clearly teaches us that those through whom Almighty God HIMSELF performs his word. This clearly demonstrates to the hearer that that person is indeed sent by God and anointed with the Holy Spirit of Almighty God. And Paul's ministry was most certainly BACKED by Almighty God himself showing many mighty wonderful works by the hands of Paul.
1 Corinthians 2:1-5.
“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2. For I determined not to know anything among you, save (Or except to know) Jesus Christ (Or Jesus ANOINTED), and him crucified. 3. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4. And my speech and my preaching was NOT with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in DEMONSTRATION of the Spirit and of POWER: (WHY? Why did God confirm his word with signs following, if so be, that Paul was teaching false doctrine as the Jesus Words Only Christians claim? I will tell you why! It was because he taught the TRUTH that was CONFIRMED by Almighty God himself through the miracles that God did through the hands of Paul!) 5. That (Or so that, or in order that) your faith should NOT stand in the wisdom of MEN, but (Rather that your faith should stand steadfast) in the POWER of God.”
Can you not see my dear brothers and sisters in our Lord Jesus Christ, that by rejecting Paul, as a man called by Almighty God and his Son Jesus to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, then you must not only reject ALL the writings of Paul, but you must reject the mighty WORKS of Almighty God himself that God did by the hand of his servant Paul. To say that Paul is NOT an Apostle of Jesus is to DENY that Jesus CHOSE Paul as HIS chosen vessel and filled Paul with the Holy Spirit. And if you deny that Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit, then you are in fact saying that Paul healed people by the power of Satan and you are BLASPHEMING the Holy Spirit and are in danger of hellfire. I want you to read Acts 28:1-9 which is very near the end of Paul's ministry. I specifically chose these LAST accounts of the works of Paul's ministry so that it may NOT be said that Paul might have been a faithful follower of Jesus at one time. But then, he turned away from the true gospel at the end of his ministry and this is why the church of Ephesus supposedly rejected Paul as a false Apostle in Revelation 2:2. We will get back to Revelation 2:2 further on in this study, but for now please read about the SIGNS and WONDERS that followed Paul's TEACHINGS. Again, Acts 28:1-9 is the account of the END of Paul's ministry where he has been arrested for preaching about Jesus and then Paul along with the soldiers are shipwrecked on the island of Melita.
Acts 28:1-9.
“And when they were escaped (From the sea), then they knew that the island was called Melita. 2. And the barbarous people showed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. 3. And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4. And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffers not to live. 5. And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. (First, we see that Paul escaped the sea because he believed and obeyed the VISION of the angel sent by Almighty God, who assured Paul that no life would perish if they obeyed Paul's WORDS to remain in the ship. Then we see that Paul is bitten by a deadly serpent sent by the devil to destroy Paul and Paul shook it off and felt no harm. And it seems that the same serpent Satan, the devil, is trying yet still to stop the WORDS of Paul by the venomous poison of false teachers, who CLAIM that Paul is a false teacher and a false prophet) 6. Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god. 7. In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously. 8. And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him. (Then we see that because Paul was mightily protected by the hand of Almighty God and did not fall dead by the venomous bite of the serpent that he was brought to heal the leader of the island. And once again we see the mighty hand of Almighty God Himself CONFIRMING the WORDS of His faithful servant Paul by HEALING the father of Publius) 9. So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:”
Then we see how one mighty ACT of Almighty God by the hand of Paul lead to many more miraculous works of God to heal all those who were brought to Paul to be healed. Please keep in mind that this was at the end of Paul's ministry, which means that Paul had ALREADY written his letters or his epistles to the churches and God was still yet CONFIRMING the preaching and teaching of Paul by showing signs and wonders by his hands. Please read the gospel of Mark chapter 16 verses 17 and 18, which teaches us that SIGNS will follow those who truly believe and teach the true gospel of Jesus Christ.
Mark 16:17,18.
“And these SIGNS shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; (Did not Paul properly teach about the infilling of the Holy Spirit and speaking in other tongues and say that he spoke in tongues more than any other? But IN the church, he kept saying for tongues to be ORDERLY, so as to not bring confusion to the body of Jesus Christ. Did not Paul cast out devils and heal the sick? Absolutely! So these SIGNS followed Paul indeed, but are they following those of you who are fighting against Paul by fighting against his teachings claiming that he is a false teacher?) 18. They shall take up SERPENTS; (Just as we have already seen in Acts 28 about the deadly poisonous serpent biting Paul and he simply shook it off in the fire believing the teachings of Jesus) and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall NOT HURT them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”
We have seen Almighty God healing the sick through the ministry of Paul. So again I ask, HOW can Paul be a FALSE teacher seeing that Almighty God Himself CONFIRMED the preaching and teaching of Paul with SIGNS and WONDERS? Let us go to the word of TRUTH where we are clearly taught that God confirmed his word with many SIGNS and WONDERS by the hands of the Apostles. First, we read in Acts 2:22 that by the hands of Jesus that Almighty God did many wonderful works of healing all, who were oppressed of the devil, by the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in his Son Jesus, his obedient servant.
Acts 2:22.
“You men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man APPROVED of God among you BY miracles and wonders and SIGNS, which God did BY him in the midst of you, as you yourselves also know.”
Then in Acts 10:38 we learn that Jesus did these mighty works through the power of the Holy Spirit of Almighty God that dwelt in him.
Acts 10:38.
“How God (Almighty God the Father) ANOINTED Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was WITH him.”
And just as Almighty God the Father was with his Son Jesus doing these mighty SIGNS and WONDERS, so was God also WITH the APOSTLES, whom he SENT, BY his Holy Spirit, to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Please read Acts 2:36-43, where we see that Almighty God is already ADDING to the CHURCH that just began on the day of Pentecost. Remember that Jesus told his disciples to wait to be endued with power from on high before going out to preach the gospel.
Acts 2:36-43.
“Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom you have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 37. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42. And they continued steadfast in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43. And fear came upon every soul: and many WONDERS and SIGNS were done by the Apostles.?
Now, Paul had not yet been called into the ministry to be an Apostle or one who is SENT by God to preach the gospel. But further on in the growth of the CHURCH we see in Acts 14:1-15 where Paul and Barnabas are both called APOSTLES by Luke, the writer of the book of the Acts of the APOSTLES. And then we clearly see that Almighty God himself confirmed that he had indeed called both Paul and Barnabas to be Apostles by showing SIGNS and WONDERS by their hand.
Acts 14:1-20.
“And it came to pass in Iconium, that THEY went BOTH together into the synagogue of the Jews, (So we see that there are only TWO disciples of Jesus Christ who are preaching the gospel at this particular time and place) and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. 2. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. 3. Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave TESTIMONY unto the word of His grace, and granted SIGN and WONDERS to be done by their hands. 4. But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the APOSTLES. (Now we see that these TWO are called APOSTLES by the disciple named Luke, who wrote the book of Acts. So if you demand that Paul is a false teacher then you must be consistent and demand that Luke is also a false teacher because Luke called Paul an Apostle. Can you not see that Luke CONFIRMS that Paul was called by Jesus Christ himself to be an APOSTLE to the Gentiles?) 5. And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them, 6. They were aware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lies round about: 7. And there they (Speaking of the two Apostles Paul and Barnabas) preached the gospel. 8. And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked: 9. The same heard PAUL speak: who steadfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, 10. Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on your feet. And he leaped and walked. 11. And when the people SAW what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. 12. And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. 13. Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates and would have done sacrifice with the people. 14. Which when the APOSTLES, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, 15. And saying, Sirs, why do you these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that you should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: 16. Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. 17. Nevertheless, he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. 18. And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them. 19. And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead (Jesus was persecuted by the Jews and said that his disciples would be persecuted as well. And here we see that certain of the Jews stoned Paul and left him for being dead) 20. Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.”
In verse 20 we see that the DISCIPLES stood around about Paul showing that they did not run away, but stayed by Paul. The Bible itself does not specifically say that they prayed for Paul, but the Bible does say that Paul, who was stoned so badly that they supposed he was dead and then Paul rose up and the very next day left on a journey to Derbe. Then in Romans 15:15-19 we read where Paul has been given a special calling to the Gentiles and Paul gives all the glory to God for the honor to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Here is Romans 15:15-19 from the New Century Version.
“But I have written to you very openly about some things I wanted you to remember. I did this because God gave me this special gift: 16. To be a minister of Christ Jesus to those who are NOT Jews. I served God by teaching His Good News so that the non-Jewish people could be an offering that God would accept -- an offering made holy by the Holy Spirit. 17. So I am proud of what I have done for God in Christ Jesus. 18. I will NOT talk about anything except what CHRIST HAS DONE through me in leading those who are NOT Jews to obey God. They have obeyed God because of what I have said and DONE, 19. because of the POWER of miracles and the great things they SAW, and because of the POWER of the Holy Spirit. (Paul is accused by the Jesus Words Only Christians and other Sabbath-keeping Christians of being boastful and full of pride. Those who teach that he is a false teacher CLAIM that Paul exalts himself and that he is a SELF appoint apostle and not a true Apostle of Jesus, but here we clearly see Paul giving all the glory to Almighty God for using him in the ministry) I preached the Good News from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, and so I have finished that part of my work.”
In 2 Corinthians 12:11,12 it appears that Paul is boasting by saying that IN NOTHING is he BEHIND any other Apostle of Jesus. Paul is NOT saying that is BETTER than all the other Apostles, but rather that he is NOT inferior to them, seeing that the SIGNS OF AN APOSTLE were wrought in him as well. So then, this should be clear to all that he was not any less than even the chief of the Apostles because the signs and wonders followed his ministry the same as all the other Apostles.
2 Corinthians 12:11,12.
“I am become a fool in glorying; you have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing. 12. Truly the SIGNS of an APOSTLE were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.”
Now again, by rejecting Paul as an Apostle of Jesus Christ, it does not end with just saying that Paul is a false teacher. For you see, by rejecting Paul as a TRUE Apostle, called by Almighty God, you are also rejecting these mighty SIGNS and WONDERS done BY Almighty God himself by the hand of Paul. And again by rejecting Paul as an Apostle of Jesus Christ, you are also rejecting Paul's letters to the CHURCHES, which would account for a little under half or a little over half of the New Testament. For you see, most Bible scholars agree that Paul wrote or at least narrated 14 of the 27 books of the New Testament, but no less than 13 books were written by Paul. So then, if you reject Paul, then you must be consistent and reject ALL those disciples and Apostles of Jesus, who stood behind Paul as well. I mean how could one honestly reject Paul and still hold true to all those, who recognized Paul as a man truly called BY God and CHOSEN BY Jesus to be HIS CHOSEN vessel? No one can honestly call Paul a FALSE teacher and still hold fast to the teachings of Luke, who was Paul’s co-laborer in ministry. I mean seriously think this through for yourself dear children of God. If brother Luke preached right along side of brother Paul and wrote not only the gospel of Luke but also the book of Acts which included the ministry of Paul as well as the ministry of the entire early church, then HOW could you accept and trust Luke's writings to be the very word of Almighty God IF SO BE you consider Paul's writings to be FALSE. Please read 2 Timothy 4:10-12 where we see that Luke was WITH Paul ministering with him. And obviously Luke was WITH Paul on all or at least most of his missionary trips, I mean, how else could Luke know so many details of what took place unless he was THERE to SEE how God miraculously worked through the hands of Paul.
2 Timothy 4:10-12.
“For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. 11. Only Luke is WITH me. Take Mark, and bring him with you: for he is profitable to me for the MINISTRY. 12. And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.”
Here we see that Luke traveled with Paul and ministered with Paul in the ministry to the Gentiles. And we also see that Mark, who wrote the Gospel of Mark, helped Paul in ministry. So if one accuses Paul to be a false teacher then how can they trust the gospel of Mark? We also see that Luke was WITH Paul in Colossians 4:14 and Philemon 1:24.
Colossians 4:7-14.
“All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord: 8. Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts; 9. With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here. 10. Aristarchus my fellow prisoner salutes you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom you received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) 11. And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellow workers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me. (So, Marcus and Justus appear to be the only two who are of the circumcision that are called Paul's WORKERS. The words “are my” is not in the original text. Paul is NOT saying that these two or the above mentioned are his ONLY workers. Nor do these words of Paul mean that ONLY those mentioned below are his ONLY fellow workers. Rather Paul is saying that ALL those he mentions are his workers that bring him comfort, as in, they are FAITHFUL workers he can depend upon) 12. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 13. For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis. 14. Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.”
Then we read in Philemon 1:14 where Paul mentions Luke again as being with him sending a greeting to the churches.
Philemon 1:23,24.
“There salute you Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus: 24. Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, (Or Luke) my fellow laborers.”
So again, Luke ministered WITH Paul and then WROTE about what he saw and heard being inspired by the Holy Spirit to make a written RECORD of the ACTS of the APOSTLES of Jesus. So then, if one is to dogmatically demand or even remotely SUGGEST that ALL the writings of Paul be REMOVED from God's word of truth, then one must be consistent and also demand that the two books written by Paul's co-laborer, Luke, be removed from the Holy Bible as well, because Luke clearly supports Paul as an apostle, called by God to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. This would mean that the Gospel of Luke, the book of Acts, the book of Romans, both 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, Titus, Philemon and perhaps even the book of Hebrews be removed from the Holy Bible. In other words, IF you are to reject Paul and claim that he is a FALSE teacher, then you must also reject his teachings as well, which obviously is the very reason of WHY anyone would even want to try and prove that Paul is a false teacher. For you see, getting rid of Paul's teachings would also diffuse the uprising among the followers of the Hebrew Roots Movement, who are asking hard questions DOUBTING the teachings of Judaism being mixed with true Biblical Christianity that is being taught to them by those in Sabbath keeping churches. It was Paul who withstood the Jews who were subverting the Gentile Christians to be circumcised in order to be saved. Please read the four part study called Dd-49. Has God's LAW BEEN ABOLISHED? PART 1 That series of studies will give you, the reader and seeker of the TRUTH a sound Biblical foundation on which to stand concerning the TRUE gospel of Jesus Christ. But for now, let us continue with this present study in God's word to answer the question, “Is Paul a false teacher?” And again, it does not end here either with just rejecting the gospel of Luke and the books of Acts along with the all the books of the New Testament that were written by Paul. For you see, IF Paul was truly a FALSE teacher, whose writings must be rejected IF SO BE that this was truly the case, then the credibility and the authority of ALL the other apostles would also be called into question and doubt. For you see, the apostle Peter, the Apostle James and the beloved apostle John ALL accepted Paul’s apostleship as one SENT by God to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the gentiles. Please read Galatians chapter 2 where Paul is clearly seen by Peter, James, and John as having a calling by Almighty God to preach the gospel to the Gentiles while they themselves, for the time being, continued to minister to the Jews.
Galatians 2:1-21.
“Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. 2. And I went up by revelation and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. 3. But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: 4. And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: 5. To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. 6. But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it makes no matter to me: God accepts no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me: 7. But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; 8. (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) 9. And when James, Cephas (Or Peter), and John, who seemed to be pillars, PERCEIVED (Or saw and understood) the grace that was given unto me, they (The Apostle James, the Apostle Peter, and the Apostle John ALL) gave to me AND Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen and they unto the circumcision. 10. Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do. 11. But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. 12. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. 13. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. 14. But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the TRUTH of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If you, being a Jew, live after the manner of Gentiles, and NOT as do the Jews, why compel you the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? 15. We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16. Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. 17. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is, therefore, Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. 18. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 19. For I, through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. 20. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet NOT I, but Christ lives IN me (Again, we see Paul giving all the glory to Almighty God and his Son Jesus): and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 21. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the LAW, then Christ is dead in vain.”
If Paul was a false teacher, then the trustworthiness of those who extended to him the right hand of fellowship must also be questioned. Thus the result is that eight more books of the remaining 10 books of the New Testament must be laid aside as false teaching as well. These other eight books are:
#1.The Gospel of John #2. First Peter #3. Second Peter #4. James #5. First John #6. Second John #7. Third John #8. The Book of Revelation
The only books remaining in the New Testament then would be Matthew and Jude. But are we SURE we can trust these books IF SO BE, that Paul is a FALSE teacher? For you see, both of the gospels of Matthew and Mark clearly teach that Peter and John were close disciples of Jesus and both Peter and John accepted Paul as an Apostle of Jesus by SENDING him to the Gentiles. Thus we need to consider both Matthew and Mark as false teachers as well IF SO BE that Paul is a FALSE teacher. So then, by dogmatically demanding that Paul is a FALSE teacher, the ONLY book left in the entire New Testament is the book of Jude. And I do not see any direct quotes of Jesus speaking in the first person in the book of Jude. Therefore, in regards to Paul's apostleship, those who teach that Paul is NOT a TRUE Apostle of Jesus are most certainly in ERROR by dogmatically demanding that Paul appointed HIMSELF to be an apostle of Jesus. Can you not see that they NEED Paul to be a false teacher because Paul exposes THEM as being FALSE teachers. Again, Luke records and NOT Paul records, Luke records as a written record of what he saw and heard being inspired by the Holy Spirit to record the ACTS of the early church. What did Jesus himself tell the prophet Ananias concerning Paul, according to the INSPIRED record written by Luke”
Please read Acts 9:10-19.
“And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prays, 12. And has seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 13. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 15. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16. For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. 17. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto you in the way as you came, has sent me, that you might receive your sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. 19. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.”
Again, these are the words of LUKE and NOT the words of Paul. Remember that Luke traveled WITH Paul and thus witnessed all or most of what God did through the hands of Paul. So it was Luke who said that Jesus appeared to Ananias in a vision and that Jesus told Ananias what to do and say. Thus the words spoken by Ananias to Paul are the very words of Jesus HIMSELF saying to Paul you are MY CHOSEN VESSEL. Jesus PERSONALLY chose the original TWELVE disciples and said that ONE would betray him. It was prophesied that another replace Judas. So to ME, it makes more sense that PAUL was to be the TWELFTH disciple, who replaced Judas Iscariot the betrayer, seeing that Jesus HIMSELF PERSONALLY CHOSE Paul and Matthias was chosen by the eleven disciples by drawing LOTS. So based upon the sound Biblical evidence that I have shown you, I myself conclude that Paul is not only a sound Biblical teacher who teaches us the TRUE gospel of Jesus Christ, but I personally believe that Paul is the chosen replacement of Judas Iscariot to be named among the TWELVE Apostles. For you see, it is PROPHESIED that God would turn to the GENTILES. So it stands to reason that God would need an APOSTLE to the GENTILES. And there is NOTHING written in the New Testament about Matthias being sent to preach the gospel to the GENTILES. But there is much written in the New Testament about Paul being the chosen vessel of God to the GENTILES. Now to those of you who still want to argue that Paul is a FALSE teacher, I implore you to read all the studies I have written on the subject of the Sabbath and also read quotes of early church writers of the HISTORY of the church. Please read all the studies linked within this study and all the studies linked below. This study was just the TIP of the iceberg of exposing the ERRORS of interpretation made by the Saturday seventh day of the week Sabbath-keeping churches, and the Sunday first day of the week Sabbath-keeping Christians. All of the studies listed below can be sent to a brother or sister caught up in the Hebrew Roots Movement or a Sabbath-keeping church by sending them this one link >>>Dd-0. What is the TRUE Sabbath?<<< Thanks for reading and may God bless you richly as you continue to read ALL the studies that I gave links to throughout this study concerning this subject on Sabbath TRUTH. My heartfelt prayer is that all Christians RETURN to the TRUE FOUNDATION of the church that is taught by the very Apostles of Jesus in the first century. So let us all come into the UNITY of the faith and return to what Jesus and his Apostles taught us in SIMPLICITY in the New Testament.
To learn more TRUTH, then please return to
If you have any questions, please feel free to write to me. My contact email is MarkatAMatterOfTruth@Gmail .com. Some Sabbath-keeping Christians CLAIM that the early church kept the Sabbath as the Jews, but I assure you that the early first-century church was accustomed to gathering together BEFORE the light of daybreak on the FIRST day of the week that THEY called the Lord's day. Please read all the studies linked within this study and all the studies linked below. This study was just the TIP of the iceberg of exposing the ERRORS of interpretation made by the Saturday seventh day of the week Sabbath-keeping churches, and the Sunday first day of the week Sabbath-keeping Christians. All of the studies listed under the subject heading >>>Dd-0. What is the TRUE Sabbath?<<< And also read Dd-20. Did The Early Church KEEP the Sabbath day to learn the truth of what the early church believed. Thanks again for reading and may God bless you richly as you continue to seek the truth of the whole word of Almighty God.
Your Brother in our Lord Jesus Christ, Brother Mark.
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