How do Paul's beliefs differ from Peter's or the gospels?

[Casey]

Lately, I've heard many non-Christians try to refute the validity of the NT by saying that Paul tried to start a new religion stating that "works had nothing to do with becoming a Christian." I have tried over and over again to tell them that since he was an expert on the OT, he understood the law very well and understood that Jesus came to fulfill the law and tell us that we are no longer bound by the punishments under the old law; that we are forgiven through God's grace because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, our Savior. But they don't understand that and they think Jesus' Sermon on the Mount was the gist of why Jesus came to earth; to tell us to be benevolent to others and that will save us. How do I deal with this? Thank you in advance.

[National Intelligence Director Phoenix]

Lately, I've heard many non-Christians try to refute the validity of the NT by saying that Paul tried to start a new religion stating that "works had nothing to do with becoming a Christian." I have tried over and over again to tell them that since he was an expert on the OT, he understood the law very well and understood that Jesus came to fulfill the law and tell us that we are no longer bound by the punishments under the old law; that we are forgiven through God's grace because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, our Savior. But they don't understand that and they think Jesus' Sermon on the Mount was the gist of why Jesus came to earth; to tell us to be benevolent to others and that will save us. How do I deal with this? Thank you in advance.

Hi Casey. Thanks for your question!

First off, there is actually little theological reflection in the gospels. Usually, an event occurs, and it's theological significance is not explained. This is the role of the epistles largely. The gospels tell you that the crucifixion and the resurrection occurred. The epistles tell you the difference it makes. Go through the resurrection accounts for instance and see if you can find theological reflection on the resurrection.

Secondly, the Sermon on the Mount is not the sole reason Jesus came to Earth. If what he did mainly was the Sermon on the Mount, I would wonder why the crucifixion occurred. WHy would you crucify someone who all that he did was teach the greatest ethic that mankind has?

Thirdly, in Jewish thought, Faith apart from faithfulness was nonsense. All of Scripture is to be taken as a whole. A true faith is one that trusts Jesus Christ as Lord and savior and expresses itself through works.

Hope this helps!

[Reuben]

I have heard that argument before, too. However, Paul's letters were actually written before the Gospels. So it seems to me that if any changing of things was going on its just as likely that the Gospel writers were doing the changing as it is that Paul was. With that said, I think Nick is right.

[Casey]

Hi Casey. Thanks for your question!

First off, there is actually little theological reflection in the gospels. Usually, an event occurs, and it's theological significance is not explained. This is the role of the epistles largely. The gospels tell you that the crucifixion and the resurrection occurred. The epistles tell you the difference it makes. Go through the resurrection accounts for instance and see if you can find theological reflection on the resurrection.

Secondly, the Sermon on the Mount is not the sole reason Jesus came to Earth. If what he did mainly was the Sermon on the Mount, I would wonder why the crucifixion occurred. WHy would you crucify someone who all that he did was teach the greatest ethic that mankind has?

Thirdly, in Jewish thought, Faith apart from faithfulness was nonsense. All of Scripture is to be taken as a whole. A true faith is one that trusts Jesus Christ as Lord and savior and expresses itself through works.

Hope this helps!

Great answers. I will try those. It's very frustrating because these people I'm speaking of keep arguing that Paul went completely against what Jesus taught, which they feel was to be good and kind to others, reject materialism and that will bring you favor. It's amazing to me what lengths people will go to in order to try to refute the fact that Jesus died on the cross for the sins of mankind and that through his ressurrection, we might have eternal life.....

Thanks to you and to Reuben...