Was Paul or Jesus the Central Founding Figure of Christianity?

Christianity's origins are often attributed to Jesus Christ, who died on the cross, was buried, and later rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. However, the differentiation often overlooks the significant role that the High Priest and the Roman Empire played in shaping the early Christian assembly. This article explores whether Jesus or Paul was the central founding figure of Christianity, and the political context that influenced its development.

Historical Context and the Fall of Israel

Christianity as a kingdom resurrection movement began after the fall of God's chosen nation, Israel. According to prophetic scriptures, God promised a new covenant with Israel, which predicted the inheritance of the land from the Euphrates to the river of Egypt and the blessing of all nations through this chosen lineage. Solomon's reign was seen as the zenith of this covenant, making him the son of God and the last king of the covenant before a grim turn of events.

When Solomon's line faltered, the kingdom of Israel fell under Roman control. This political shift made Jesus, who was seen as a potential king on Roman soil, a threat. Consequently, Jesus was killed to prevent him from establishing the Kingdom of God on Roman land. However, after his passing, the High Priest and the Roman Empire took control of the Christian assembly in Rome and united the secular and political aspects of Christianity with Judaism.

The Role of Paul and His Influence

Many argue that the central figure in the early days of Christianity was Paul, who frequently mentioned Jesus as his Messiah and emphasized his importance. However, Jesus was the actual founder of the Christian movement, and Paul's primary role was to spread the message and make Christianity accessible to gentiles.

The Conditional Nature of Jesus' Teachings

One of the key debates is whether Jesus' command to follow the laws of Moses was absolute or conditional. Jesus said, "Until all is accomplished," which suggests that his followers should adhere to the laws of Moses until the new covenant was established. This conditional statement is significant, as it implies that the laws of Moses were not meant to be eternal but rather temporary in the context of the old covenant.

Historical Precedents and the New Covenant

Many may argue that the inclusion of gentiles in the Jewish religion was a new concept. However, this was not the case. Gentile followers of Yahweh existed in ancient times, and Jesus himself had gentile lineage. Furthermore, the new covenant that Jesus introduced was not something fabricated by Christians or Paul; it was a fulfillment of prophetic scriptures. Jesus himself spoke often about this new covenant, and he instructed his Jewish followers to follow the laws of Moses until the new covenant was fully established.

The Essenes and the New Covenant

It is worth noting that the belief in a new covenant existed not just within Christianity but also among other sects of the time, such as the Essenes. The Essenes were a religious group that awaited the fulfillment of the covenant promises, much like the early Christians.

Conclusion

The central founding figure of Christianity might indeed be seen as a combination of Jesus and the broader context in which he operated. While Paul played a crucial role in spreading the message and making it accessible to gentiles, Jesus' teachings, his death, and resurrection formed the core of the Christian movement. Understanding this context can provide a more nuanced perspective on the origins and development of Christianity.