Introduction

The question of whether Christianity is an invention of St. Paul has been a topic of debate among scholars and theologians for centuries. In this article, we explore the origins of Christianity, the role of St. Paul in its development, and the spiritual concepts that underpin the Christian faith. We will examine how these ideas were shaped by early Christian promoters and the role of the Holy Spirit in the Christian narrative.

The Early Beginnings of Christianity

Before delving into the specifics of St. Paul's contribution, it is crucial to understand the origins of Christianity. Christianity is not, as some argue, an invention of St. Paul, but rather it has its roots in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The term "Christ" predates the birth of Jesus and is synonymous with the concept of "messiah."

The concept of a messianic figure was not unique to Christianity. In the context of the Greco-Roman world, the term "Christ" (Χριστ??) was used to describe someone anointed for a specific purpose. For example, Alexander the Great was sometimes referred to as "the Christ."

The Role of the Holy Spirit

A significant aspect of Christian spirituality is the presence of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is often seen as the channel through which truth and understanding are revealed. Paul, the Apostle, had a deep spiritual connection with the Holy Spirit and often used his experiences to guide the early Christian communities.

Karla Heidi Broberg, a ministry intercessor and shepherding discipler, explains that Christianity is rooted in the spiritual reality that God desires disciples who are in communion with Him. This spiritual reality is underpinned by the anointing and the power of the Holy Spirit. As she puts it, 'Thus Paul preached under the anointing of the Lord [the Holy Spirit] as the 'sent one,' and Jesus says that neither did He operate without first consulting the Holy Spirit.'

The Contributions of St. Paul

While the roots of Christianity lie in the life and teachings of Jesus, St. Paul played a vital role in the spread and development of the faith. St. Paul was not the originator of Christianity, but he made significant contributions to its structure and doctrine. Paul is referred to as an Apostle, which means 'the sent one.' His primary responsibility was to equip the saints for the work of the ministry.

Karla Heidi Broberg elaborates, 'The calling of a five-fold ministry Apostle is the equipping of the "saints" [those set apart ones] to do work of the ministry.' As a Pastor and Teacher, Paul's role was to ensure that the message of Christ was correctly preached and understood.

Understanding Christian Discipleship

Christian discipleship is not just about following Jesus but also about being empowered by the Holy Spirit. When a person becomes a disciple in the Christian faith, they are no longer their own but are transformed into a dwelling place of the Lord. 'Not ME, but CHRIST in me,' as the Bible states in Galatians 2:20. This metaphor emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

Paul's ministry was deeply rooted in the spiritual realm. He often relied on his experiences with the Holy Spirit to guide him in his preaching and ministry. Paul's claim in 1 Corinthians 1:18, 'For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness but unto us which are saved it is the power of God,' underscores the spiritual nature of Christian ministry. The Spirit's power is necessary for the effectiveness of the message.

The Role of Ordinary Christians

While the ministry of an Apostle like Paul is significant, every Christian has the potential to serve and share their faith with others. As Karla Heidi Broberg explains, 'We do all we do by HIS empowerment and under the anointing of Jesus Christ Who is THE ANOINTED' [the ANOINTER, set into Ministry by the Senior leaders and Apostles, receiving their commission actually receive from Jesus Himself through the laying on of hands].

Enabling an ordinary Christian to step into ministry without the anointing is challenging because 'the whole thing is Spiritual and Spirit to Spirit.' Spiritual discernment cannot be achieved by the natural mind, but it comes through the anointing of the Holy Spirit. This makes St. Paul's role as a spiritual leader even more significant, as he modeled and taught the essential qualities of a Christian leader under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Christianity's roots lie in the life of Jesus Christ, and the term "Christ" predates His birth. St. Paul played a vital role in the spread and development of the faith, but he was not the sole originator. His ministry was grounded in the spiritual presence of the Holy Spirit, which guides and empowers every faithful disciple of Christ.

The Christian faith is a journey of spiritual growth where every believer is called to be a minister, equipped by the Holy Spirit. As Karla Heidi Broberg reminds us, 'not ME, but CHRIST in me,' highlighting the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the Christian life.