Question: Why Paul of Tarsus may be considered a fake Apostle?
That is not so; and your comment/conclusion is certainly based on what many Churches and Groups teach erroneously; because they teach what their Elders and Seminaries dictate!
The Bible becomes very rich in such information; when it is treated as TRUTH (2Tim. 3:16–17); and is prayerfully studied and searched when erroneous/uncertain teaching is given.
As a famous teacher and Bible Student once said, ”don’t look for Satan in Soho, but in the Pulpit”!
Question: What are some of the ways that Paul contradicts himself in his letters? Can these contradictions be reconciled?
Paul does not “contradict” himself; you have clearly not taken into account the change at Acts 28:28!
You will see the origin of that in Isa. 6:9–10!
Prior to Acts 28:28, Paul wrote 7 letters; after 7 more, which reflect the change of Dispensation!
Your assumption is very common, and is the reason that many Seminaries teach that Paul contradicts Christ Jesus!
It is a profound truth, that Paul was the mouthpiece of Christ after His resurrection, and therefore the words of Paul are the words of Christ Himself! To understand that, is to see that Paul's words must be revered and used for understanding of the complex events following Pentecost, and the events that Peter was describing! When it is realised that Paul's words are Christ's Words, a new impetuous and accuracy is added to the interpretation of the Bible, in the sense that instead of Christ's and Paul's teachings appearing to conflict, as so many Churches teach, they are interwoven in the Truth of the Word! The onus is on us to see the real meanings!
Paul was a "Chosen vessel", (Acts 9:15), because of his great learning under Gamaliel; and the fact of his sincere heart before God! He had the knowledge and force of personality to take on the Jews, both Pharisaic and those converted to Christ Jesus; when dealing with the long established rituals of Judaism; such as sacrifice, circumcision etc., which were no longer required by God the Father due to the Sacrifice of Jesus (Eph. 2:15); the perfect man (Lamb without spot or blemish) for those that believe! Also; to give Israel guidance and understanding, the understanding; they needed of the "New Covenant" (Jer. 31:31- 37) had they accepted Christ as Messiah, to guide them into the "Kingdom Age".
Had they accepted Paul's message and Christ; John the Baptist would have "been as Elijah" (Matt.11:14 and 17:9-13), as Jesus stated. When they rejected, he became almost 100% "the Apostle to the Gentile" (Romans 11:13). This statement refutes the oft made comment by some Church leaders and teachers, that "Paul's teaching, and Christ's teaching contradict".
Summary:
The great Apostle Paul, had a specific purpose as the “Chosen vessel” that he was.
He was chosen because of his great knowledge of the Old Testament, and his fierce loyalty to Almighty God!
When he persecuted to death the “Christians”, he did so because of his love for his God!
This very drive in him was what God in Christ Jesus wanted to harness to convince the Pharisee leaders of Israel, to get them to join the work of Christianising Israel!
As Paul questioned the “apparition” on the Damascus road; “who art thou Lord”; the reply was “I AM Jesus that thou persecuteth”!
So Paul, after a sojourn in Arabia, became the “Apostle to the Gentiles".
This continued in Acts up to the time of Acts 28:25–28 (approx. AD 64–65); but as the last of the Roman Synagogues rejected Paul’s salvation in Christ's message; Paul was instructed to declare the prophecy of Isa. 6:9–10, which triggered the end of that stage of Israel’s prophetic progress, and they became “Lo-Ammi”; “not My people”!
In the years left to Paul, he wrote Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, these writings differ in emphasis to his previous 7, and look to the function and growth of the “Body of Jesus”, which is still valid, and will remain so until the end of this “Age Time”.
He was executed by beheading approx. AD 68–69.
At the same time approx. the Temple at Jerusalem and Jerusalem were destroyed; which stopped the animal sacrifices for sin, which Paul had so lucidly proclaimed!
They have stopped ever since; as the Jews “corporate” had rejected the great Sacrifice of Almighty God in Christ Jesus!
That is still their condition and will remain so until Zech. 12:10, and the next Temple is built in Jerusalem!
Regarding John’s work and calling on Patmos in Revelation, that was to detail the events which will bring about the great changes that will affect the whole Earth, and lead to the 2nd. Advent of the Lord Jesus Christ. That could have been much earlier, as the repeated statement by Jesus made clear, (Matt. 11:14); but God, as always will leave the decision to the ‘free-will’ of individuals and /or groups; in this case the Jews corporate!
When watching all the current happenings worldwide, the events of Revelation may be soon in time, as we understand time!!
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