📅 Today is Day 8 of The 20-Day Easter Special
Each day leading up to Easter, we’re critically examining a core resurrection claim—one at a time—through the lens of reason, evidence, and The God Question’s Core Philosophy.
The God Question’s Easter Special continues with a closer look at something many believers have never considered: Is the Jesus described by the apostle Paul the same as the Jesus found in the Gospels?
At first glance, the answer seems obvious. But dig deeper, and the cracks begin to show.
✍️ Two Portraits, One Name
Paul’s letters are the earliest Christian writings we have—predating the Gospels by several decades. Yet curiously, Paul shows little interest in the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.
- He never mentions Jesus’s parables.
- He doesn’t refer to Jesus’s miracles.
- There’s no nativity story, baptism, or Sermon on the Mount.
- And surprisingly, he rarely quotes Jesus at all.
Instead, Paul’s focus is overwhelmingly on the risen Christ—a cosmic, spiritual figure revealed to him in a vision. His Jesus is not a humble Galilean rabbi but a divine Lord who exists beyond time and space, offering salvation through faith in his death and resurrection.
In contrast, the Gospel writers (especially Matthew, Mark, and Luke) paint a much more grounded picture—a teacher, healer, and apocalyptic prophet who walked dusty roads, clashed with religious authorities, and taught ethical and moral lessons to the crowds.
🤯 Doctrinal Evolution or Divine Consistency?
If the Gospels and Paul are describing the same person, why the stark difference?
Some scholars argue this is simply a difference in emphasis: Paul had no need to rehash the known stories. But others suggest something more provocative:
Paul invented the theological Christ—and the Gospel writers later tried to humanize him.
This idea challenges the traditional Christian claim of doctrinal consistency. It suggests that early Christianity evolved, with beliefs shifting based on theological needs, cultural pressures, and evangelistic aims—not based on an unchanging, historical truth.
🧠 Applying The God Question’s Core Philosophy
Let’s apply the same critical lens we’ve used throughout this series:
- Does this claim rely on empirical evidence or belief?
Paul’s Jesus is based on personal revelation, not historical reporting. He explicitly says he received his gospel “not from any man” (Galatians 1:12). - Are alternative explanations considered?
The theological development of Christology is rarely acknowledged in church. But when viewed historically, the divergence between Paul and the Gospels makes sense as the result of evolving beliefs in a growing religious movement. - Is there independent corroboration?
We have no contemporaneous non-Christian sources confirming Paul’s vision or his interpretation of Jesus. His letters stand as theological documents, not verifiable history. - Is the claim falsifiable?
No. Paul’s vision of the risen Christ is purely subjective and cannot be confirmed or denied outside his own testimony. - Does the explanation raise more questions than it answers?
Yes. Why would God reveal the most important truth in history through a private vision and allow such divergence in the earliest Christian writings? Why doesn’t Paul reference Jesus’s earthly ministry?
🧭 Final Thoughts
If Paul had never lived, would Christianity look anything like it does today?
It’s a fair question—and one worth asking. Paul’s influence on Christian theology is immense. But it’s also worth considering whether he reinterpreted—or even reinvented—the message of Jesus to fit a new vision of salvation.
The God Question doesn’t claim certainty where there is none. But when two portraits of Jesus emerge—one cosmic and abstract, the other earthly and human—we should at least pause and ask:
Which one, if either, reflects reality?
For Further Exploration
Watch this Video: “Jesus vs Paul: The Origins of a Religious Schism in Early Christianity”
Presenter: Dr. Bart D. Ehrman
Duration: Approximately 30 minutes
Description: Dr. Ehrman explores the potential divergences between Jesus’ original teachings and Paul’s interpretations, examining how Paul’s writings may have influenced early Christian theology.
📅 Note: After we wrap up our 20-Day Easter Special on April 20, we’ll return to our regular schedule of posting three times a week:
- Tuesdays & Fridays – our structured explorations through all 11 blog categories
- Sundays – our Sunday Special Feature, where we critically respond to real-world religious claims in real time
We hope you’ll stay with us as we continue asking bold questions and applying reason to faith.
God or Delusion? 