Paul: The Misunderstood Apostle

The Apostle Paul Do his teachings contradict Messiah's teachings? Was he a legitimate Apostle? Does it matter? Written 7/15/2007 by D.J. Love, TSN, SBC

Apostle Paul: According to the anti-Paulists his teachings are not in harmony with the teachings of Messiah and other Apostles. However, if Paul of Tarsus was not an Apostle, then why is he referred to as one by the Apostles Luke and Peter? Perhaps the anti-Paulists will say that Luke and Peter are liars too. Now I could go into long discussions on specific charges, but many others have already addressed these issues on the "World Wide Web" and their explanations are generally acceptable. I choose rather to show Paul's compatibility and acceptance by The Holy Righteousness Seeking Spirit of YHVH, and his contemporaries.

2 Peter 3:15-17 15 And account that the longsuffering of our master Y'Shua is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16 As also (wisdom) in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, with which they that are unlearned and unstable (as the anti-Paulists are) wrestle, as they (the anti-Paulists) do, also, the other scriptures, unto their (the anti-Paulists) own destruction. 17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

Acts 14:4, 14(written by Luke) 4 But the multitude of the city was divided: and part sided with the

Jews, and part with the Apostles. 14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,

Note: Notice that Barnabas is, also, called an Apostle by Luke. Apparently one does not have to be one of the original 12 disciples of Messiah in order to be an Apostle.

Greek #652 (apostoloV, apostolos, ap-os'-tol-os) a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; a commissioner of Messiah, a messenger, he that is sent (appointed).

Note: An "Apostleship" is an appointed position. Even The Messiah was "Appointed" the position of Firstborn Son (Heir); Hebrews 1:2, Of course Paul wrote this; However, Paul is correct (once again). Looks like those that accuse Paul of not being a real Apostle and then, also, accuse him of writing epistles that conflict with their personal belief system are the ones with "No Understanding". "Beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked." (2 Peter 3:17) Perhaps the anti-Paulist will choose to eliminate all Scripture that they don't agree with and/or try to dispute the validity of the writings. Now I could go into all kinds of details involving who did or did not hear Messiah's voice or suspicions of Paul's former position as a Pharisee, but the greater proof is the fact that there is absolutely zero difference in what Paul teaches and what Messiah taught. Only the method of teaching was different, but the messages are the same, and that is because they all had the same Righteousness Seeking (Holy) Spirit to guide them. If you have not yet studied "The Holy Spirit Revealed", now would be the proper time.

John 16:13 (The product of a Righteousness Seeking Mind-set) Howbeit when the (Holy) Spirit of Truth is come (into your mind), it

will guide you into all truth: for it shall not speak of itself (self is a sin); but whatsoever it shall (metaphorically) hear (with Spiritual Ears to Hear and Eyes to See), that shall it (metaphorically) speak: and it will (metaphorically) show you things to come.

This is the same exact "Righteousness Seeking Mind-set" (Holy Spirit) that all of YHVH's children (sons and future sons or elohim) have or will have. Thus the Apostles were, also, mentally bound by the same "Spirit of Truth" as all of YHVH's "Chosen Few" (metaphorical sons), and not just Apostles or Messiah. Even IF "Paul of Tarsus" and "Barnabas" were not legitimate Apostles, they would still have been judged by the original Apostles, and have been either accepted or rejected, and neither were rejected, because they were all of the same "Holy Spirit", and they had the powers of discernment (to recognize each other by Spirit alone). The Apostle Paul obviously believed this to be true, and so do I.

1 Corinthians 2:14 (Paul is correct here) But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of YHVH: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Hebrews 4:12 (Paul is correct again) For the word of YHVH is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Be not confused, YHVH has given the "Power Of Righteous Discernment" unto others prior to Messiah, so why not Paul too? Should we think that only Messiah and his disciples (Apostles) had the "Power Of Righteous Discernment"?

1 Kings 3:7-15 7 And now, O LORD YHVH, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. 8 And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. 9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and evil: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? 10 And the speech pleased YHVH, that Solomon had asked this thing (Spiritually in his sleep from his heart). 11 And YHVH said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; 12 Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. 13 And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honor: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. 14 And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days. 15 And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream.

Malachi 3: 16-18 (prophecy of Righteousness Seekers) 16 Then they that feared the LORD YHVH spake often one to another: and the LORD YHVH hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared (respected) YHVH, and that thought upon His (good) name (reputation). 17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels (not cut by human hands); and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. 18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth YHVH and him that serveth Him not.

No, my friends, you do not have to be an Apostle to have the "Power Of Righteous Discernment". Maybe you even think that I have such Spiritual Discernment too; You're still reading aren't you? So, again I say unto all who are still reading this message, "Should we think that only Messiah and his disciples (Apostles) had the 'Power Of Righteous Discernment'?" YHVH forbid ! Therefore, think not that "Apostleship" is the determining factor for leadership in the ways of YHVH; for YHVH's ways are above our way.

Deuteronomy 32:4 He (YHVH) is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all His ways are (Righteous) judgment: The Father of truth, and without iniquity, just and righteous is He.

Romans 11:33 (Paul is correct again) O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of YHVH! How unsearchable are (the depths of) His judgments, and (the depths of) His ways past finding out! And "Spiritual Discernment" is a "Gift Of The Holy Spirit" for all (including Paul) who "Seek The Righteousness of YHVH" through "Love" and "Obedience"; not following after "Self" but looking to YHVH first, then His Messiah, followed by the Apostles, and finally those others with the "Power Of Righteous Discernment" for guidance.

Hebrews 5:14 (Paul is correct again) But strong (metaphorical) meat (Spiritual substance) belongeth to them that are of full (Spiritual) age, even those (who are lesser in understanding), who by reason of usage (repetitious training), have their (Spiritual) senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Therefore, BELOVED, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, and fall from your own stedfastness.