“THE FATHER OF CHRISTIANITY”

    Some Jews from the province from Asia saw Paul at the temple.  They shouted, ” This is the man who teaches all the men everywhere against our people and our law and this place.”       Act 21:27-32

HISTORICAL RECORD

Paul was NOT one of the twelve apostles. He is erroneously called an apostle by many. 

“The Jewish people all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child, from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem.”      Acts 26:4

There is nothing at all of the historical record concerning Paul even though it is written that many people of Jerusalem and even from where he used to live in his own country knew all about him and the way he lived.   There was even a major event in his life; that two hundred soldiers with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen went from Jerusalem to a far off beach city to rescue Paul (119 km/74 miles from Jerusalem). 

There is no mention of this in Josephus or any other writers or Roman records.  The historian Seneca, the brother of Gallio proconsul of Achaia lived at the time and place that Paul was preaching and wrote about much lesser events, but no mention whatsoever of any Paul (and even the wonder works of Jesus).

Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, “Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight.   Acts 23:23

WHO WAS PAUL?

Paul appeared approximately 15 years after the death of Jesus, 50 C.E.  Paul never met Jesus.  He never spent 5 minutes with him.  Yet Paul wrote half of the Christian “New Testament.”  Luke was NOT one of the twelve apostles as all the Christians think.  He was a disciple of Paul.  

  Luke, like Paul, never met or saw Jesus.  Luke wrote the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts.  Luke portrayed Paul as fearless hero with a fabulous character, yet he was anything but that.  He opposed and wrote against the kosher laws, circumcision, the Sabbath, and the necessity to follow the laws of the Torah.  This is documented by Paul himself.

Kosher laws – Colossians 2:16, 2:20-23, 1 Corinthians 10:25-27, 29-31, 1 Timothy 4:2-5, Romans 14:2-4, 15-17

Circumcision – Acts 21:20-21, Philippians 3:2-4, Galatians 5:2-6

Torah – Acts 137 18:13, 21:20-21, 21:28

PAUL WAS A ROMAN

Paul was born a Roman in Tarsus, a sea town in the land today we call Turkey.  He was a Gentile who used the word “we” when referring to Gentiles (Galatians 3:14).  He came to Jerusalem as a security enforcer putting down any rebellions before they started.  Jesus was talked about as being the “King of the Jews” and had a large following.  The Romans were well aware of the Jewish uprisings that happened years before with the Greeks and declared uprisings would not be tolerated.

Paul was working for the Jewish High Priest who was the leader of the Sadducee party (Acts 9:1, 2 26:10-12). Paul was to stop any Jewish zealots from social unrest.  Paul wrote about this, and this even after he became a Christian, he stated that the end justifies the means (Romans 3:5.7-8   2 Corinthians 12:16   Philippians 1:18).  What did Paul do?

And they cast him [Stephen] out of the city and stoned him.  and the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.  And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God … Now Saul was consenting to his death.  Acts 7:57 – 8:1

As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.  Acts 8:3

Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the lord, went to the High Priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any of the Way, [zealots] whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.  Acts 9:1-2

… many of the saints [zealots] I [Paul] shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them.  And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme, and being exceedingly enraged against them, I [Paul] persecuted them even to foreign cities.   While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests.   Acts 26:10-12

PAUL’S ALLEGIANCE TO ROME

After Paul had his anointing by God putting Jesus “in him,” Paul still kept his allegiance to Rome and encouraged Jews to obey Rome.

Every person must submit to the authorities in power [Rome], for all authority comes from God, and the existing authorities are instituted by him.  It follows that anyone who rebels against authority is resisting a divine institution, and those who resist have themselves to blame for the punishment they receive.   Romans 13:1-2

PAUL FRIENDLY WITH ROMANS IN POWER

In reference to Herod of Chalus, King Herod Agrippas’ brother;

“his kinsman Herodian, the littlest Herod”  Romans 16:7

In reference to king Herod Agrippa’s son;

“all those in the household of Aristobulus”  Romans 16:10

In Philippians in reference to Epaphrodites Paul called him;

“his brother, fellow worker, apostle”

In reference to Nero’s personal secretary he greeted;

“every holy one in christ, especially those in the household of Caesar.”  Philippians 2:25, 4:18-22

GARRISON COMMANDER RESCUED PAUL

So friendly with the Romans was Paul that a garrison commander sent 470 soldiers to a beach city that was located some 121 kilometers from Jerusalem to rescue Paul from crowds wanting to kill him.

Prepare two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea [to rescue and protect Paul]       Acts 23:23

And of course none of the 400 paid historians and prolific writers of that time wrote anything about it !!!!!!!!

PAUL LIES ABOUT THE SCRIPTURES

Paul wrote the Epistle 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

3 … that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,

4  that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures…

There are NO such scriptures anywhere, Paul!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PAUL THE LIAR

Paul himself clearly writes how he was often called a liar (2 Corinthians 7:14, 11:7, 8, 10, 11:31, 12:6, 13:7, 8  Galatians 1:20, 4:16,  1 Timothy 2:7,  Romans 9:1,  Titus 1:2   The fact that these accusations were not edited out demonstrates that Paul had no credibility.

PAUL ADMITS THAT HE LIES, AND THAT THE END JUSTIFIES THE MEANS.

What then?  Only that in every way, whether in pretense [lie] or in truth, christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.   Philipppians 1:18

For if the truth of God has increased through my lie to His glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner?  And why not say, ‘Let us do evil that good may come:’ – as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say, ‘Their condemnation is just.’  Romans 3:7,8

.. and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law;  to those who are without law … that I might win those who are without law;  to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak.  I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.  Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be a partaker of it with you.  1 Corinthians 9:19-23

WHEN CONFRONTED ABOUT HIS PREACHING AGAINST GOD’S LAWS, HE SIMPLY JUST LIED AS WAS TYPICAL OF HIM;

I believe everything that agrees with the law and that is written in the prophets.  Acts 24:14

I have done nothing wrong against the law of the Jews or against the Temple or against Ceasar.  Acts 25:8

PAUL CONVERTED TO JUDAISM?

Paul claimed to be a devoted Jew, a Pharisaic Jew.

5 They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee.     Acts 26:5

He studied at the feet of the renoun teacher Rabbi Gamaliel.

3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today.     Acts 22:3

PAUL ABSOLUTELY WAS AGAINST THE LAW

Jesus always said people should keep the commandments.

… whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven.     Matthew 5:19

 … scripture [includes commandments] cannot be set aside.   John 10:36

if you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in His love.      John 15:10

a young rich man said to Jesus: “Good teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”  He [Jesus] said to him, Why do you call me good, no one is good but One, that is God.  But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.     Matthew 19:16-17

Jesus unlike Paul believed in keeping the commandments.

Paul believed he could make up his own rules.  Paul believed in the easy man road.  He preached that faith alone was enough.  That way he got people to follow him, and that is what he really wanted.  He was like many of the preachers today.

Paul’s new religion;

Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law … Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.  But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.    Galatians 3:13, 24-25

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believes.    Romans 10:4

In the He [God] says, a new covenant, He has made the first obsolete.  Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.     Hebrews 8:13

If righteousness comes through the law; then Christ died in vain.     Galatians 2:21

The very commandment that was intended to bring life actually brought death.     Romans 7:10

Not the letter but the spirit, for the letter kills, but the spirit gives life.    2 Corinthians 3:6

Regarding the kosher laws; ‘So let no one judge you in food or in drink …’   Colossians 2:16

Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing …   Galatians 5:2-6

THE LAW? CHRISTIANS SAY, “FORGET ABOUT IT”

The law and the prophets were until John [the Baptist]: since that time the kingdom of heaven is preached.    Luke 16:16

Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.    Romans 3:28

Ye are not under the law, but under grace.     Romans 6:14

Ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ …. We are delivered from the law, that being dead.     Romans 7:4, 6

Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.     Romans 10:4

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law. (v.13)      Galatians 3:13

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.      Galatians 3:24-25

But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.     Galatians 5:18

Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances.     Ephesians 2:15

Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances … nailing it to his cross.     Colossians 2:14

JESUS WILL BENEFIT THE UNCIRCUMCISED ONLY

Behold, I Paul, say to you, that if you be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.     Gal 5:2

It’s righteous to be uncircumcised???  Here is God speaking in the Old Testament – –

This is my covenant which you shall keep between me and you and your seed after you: every man and child among you shall be circumcised.    Gen 17:10

PAUL BAPTIZED WHO?

Paul says that at Corinth he baptized

“none … but Crispus and Gaius        1 Cor 1:14

Then he says he baptized Stephanas’ family (v. 16). Then proceeds to say he doesn’t know whether he baptized any one else

16 Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don’t remember if I baptized anyone else. 1 Cor 1:16

PAUL USES TRICKERY?

NO 

Paul says he does not use trickery

For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:    1 Thess 2:3

YES 

Then Paul says he does use trickery   

But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.     2 Cor 12:16

PAUL DIDN’T LIKE THE TEACHINGS AND PRACTICES OF JESUS

Paul himself describes how he was in conflict with James the brother of Jesus.  After the death of Jesus, Jesus’ brother James the Just led the followers of Jesus for many years until his death.  James continued the practices that Jesus taught, like the practice of following the Torah … 

24 Take these men, join in their purification rites and pay their expenses, so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law.       Acts 21:24  

PAUL TOTALLY REJECTED THE TORAH 

…… 13 It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14 For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless,     Romans 4:3-14,   

…….For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.       Galatians 5:2-6

16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.       Colossians 2:16    

…… 23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.      Colossians 2:20-23

THE DISCIPLES OF JESUS REJECTED PAUL;

And when Saul [Paul] had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were afraid of him and did not believe that he was a disciple.     Acts 9:26

Paul accused the disciples and apostles of being false and deceitful.

13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.      2 Corinthians 11:13-15

Paul insulted the disciples and apostles by saying they weren’t real and only “seemed to be pillars.”

9 James, Cephas and John, those esteemed as pillars …      Galatians 2:9

Paul cursed the disciples and apostles saying they should do the ultimate circumcision to themselves by castrating themselves.

12 As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!      Galatians  5:12 NIV

Paul wanted the easy way for his followers.  Just a few rules;

19 “It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.

20 Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood.      Acts 15:19-20,

Paul strongly opposed James and the following of the laws in the Torah.
Paul said faith is all you need (the lazy man’s way to heaven.  have no laws and there will be no sins.

13 It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14 For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, 15 because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.        Romans 4:3-14

James was the leader of the followers of Jesus after the death of Jesus.
James stated one’s works are what defines a person by following the law of the Torah.

20 You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?

21 Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?

22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.

23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend.

24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.

25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?

26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

   James 2:20-26

JAMES ORDERED PAUL TO DEMONSTRATE HIS ACCEPTANCE OF THE TORAH LAWS;

Therefore do what we tell you:  We have four men who have taken a vow.  Take them and be purified with them, and pay their expenses so that they have shaved their heads, and that all may know that those things of which they were informed concerning you are nothing, but that you yourself also walk orderly and keep the law.   Acts 21:24

What happened is that Paul still preached his way, the “new testament.”  This new testament that contradicted the teachings and practices of Jesus.

PAUL LEARNED FROM HIMSELF

Did Paul learn from Jesus?  NO.  did Paul learn from the disciples of Jesus?  NO.  Who did Paul lean from???  It was from a divine moment when he had a heat stroke while he was on the road to Damascus.  He learned it all at that instant.

But when it pleased God … called me through His grace, to reveal His son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles.  I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia and returned again to Damascus.  Galatians 1:15-17

But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man.  For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.   Galations 1:11-12

For if he [another apostle] who comes preaches another Jesus whom we [Paul] have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you may well put up with it … For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.   2 Corinthians  11:4, 13

And there are three different versions of how Paul leaned, all different. Acts 9:3 to 9,  Acts 22:9,  Acts 26:13

THREE ACCOUNTS OF PAUL’S CONVERSION – MIRACULOUS VOICE OR NOT? AND STOOD OR FELL?

YES – THEY HEARD AND STOOD.

And the men which journeyed with him [Paul] STOOD speechless, HEARING A VOICE but seeing no man.       Acts 9:7

NO – THEY DIDN’T HEAR 

And they that were with me saw indeed the light and were afraid; but they HEARD NOT THE VOICE of him that spake to me.       Acts 22:9

AND WHEN WE WERE ALL FALLEN TO THE EARTH, I HEARD A VOICE. 

14 And when we were ALL FALLEN to the earth, I HEARD a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.    Acts 26:14

Seems like Paul here was talking about himself as a false apostle.

For though you might have ten thousand instructors in christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in christ Jesus I [Paul] have begotten you through the gospel.  Therefore I urge you, imitate me.      1 Corinthians  4:15, 16

I [Paul] marvel that you are turning away so soon from him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another;  but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.  But even if we, or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.  As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.     Galatians 1:6-9


Did his companions see the light but not hear the voice, or hear the voice but not see the light?

DID PAUL SEE JESUS ON THE ROAD TO DAMASCUS?

YES.

Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord?       1 Corinthians 9:1

And last of all he was seen by me.         1 Corinthians 15:8

NO, HE WAS BLIND AND “SAW NO MAN.”

And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.         Acts 9:8

JAMES WOULD NOT GIVE PAUL AN APPOINTMENT LETTER

James, the brother of Jesus, was the leader of the disciples after the death of Jesus (Acts15:13-20, 21:18-25).  In a testament about Peter called Pseudoclementine Recognitions written in that time period, stated that James would give out an appoint letter to authenticate disciples and apostles that they were teaching what Jesus taught.

Observe with great caution, that you believe no teacher, unless he brings the testimonial [letter] of James, the lord’s brother from Jerusalem, or whomever comes after him.  Under no circumstances, receive anyone or consider him a worthy or faithful teacher for preaching the word of Christ, unless he has gone up there and been approved and as I say, brings a testimonial [letter] from there (Pseudoclementine Recognitions 4:25)

JAMES WOULD NOT GIVE AN APPOINTMENT LETTER TO PAUL AND IS SEEN IN THE WRITINGS OF PAUL.

Do we begin again to commend ourselves?  Or do we need, as some others, epistles of commendation to you or letters from you to recommend, you [the congregation] are our letter … not being written with ink, but with the spirit of the living God on the fleshly tablets of the heart.  2 Corinthians 3:6

If I am not an apostle to others, doubtless I am to you.  For you are the seal of my apostleship in the lord.  1 Corinthians 9:2

By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established … Since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you but mighty in you.  2 Corinthians 13:1, 3

Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I no not lie.  After ward I went into the regions of Syria and Cilcia.  and I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea which were in Christ.  But they were hearing only, ‘He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy.’  And they glorified God in me.  Galatians 1:20-24

THOSE IN JERUSALEM HA​TED PAUL

The crowd [Jews in Jerusalem] listened to Paul until he said this.  Then they raised their voice and shouted, ‘Rid the earth of him [Paul].  He’s not fit to live.’  Acts 9:26

And when it was day, some of the Jews banded together and bound themselves under an other, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.  Now there were more than forty who had formed this conspiracy.  They came to the chief priests and elders and said, ‘We have bound ourselves under a great oath that we will eat nothing until we have killed Paul.’  Acts 23:12-14

Some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the Temple.  They shouted ‘this is the man who teaches all the men everywhere against our people and our law and this place [the Temple].’  The whole city [Jerusalem] was aroused and he was seized.  He was dragged from the Temple, and while they were trying to kill him, the Roman troops stopped the beating of Paul.   Acts 21:27-32

EPISTLES LACKING

Epistles were the earliest Christian documents.  Half of the Epistles were written by Paul.  They were written 20 to 70 years after the death of Jesus.  Jesus died between 28 to 36 C.E.  The Epistles never mention any Gospel writings. The Gospels were written after the Epistles.

The Epistles talk of a divine Christ but never mention Jesus as a human.

The Epistles never say anything about the history or the time.

The Epistles never say anything about the sayings of Jesus.

The Epistles never say anything about the parables of Jesus.

The Epistles never say anything about the miracles of Jesus.

The Epistles never say anything about the last supper.

The Epistles never say anything about any historical events happening then regarding the death of Jesus.

The Epistles never say anything about the crucifixion of Jesus.

The Epistles never say anything about the empty tomb of Jesus.

The Epistles never say anything about Jesus rising from the tomb.

The Epistles never say anything about the events Jesus did around Jerusalem.

EPISTLES WRITTEN BY PAUL WERE WRITTEN AFTER PAUL WAS DEAD

Never any historical reference.   Nothing of Pilate, Romans, Caiaphas, Sanhdrin,  Herod, Judas, the holy women of the Gospels, or any person in the New Testament.  

They never quote any of the great sayings by Jesus.  They never mention any of his fabulous miracles, or divine splendor.  Not a peep about Jesus casting out devils, or feed a mass of people with a few loafs of bread and a couple of fish. Or curing leprosy in an instant.  Never came close to any mention contained in the sermons or teachings of Jesus.

The Lords Prayer is clearly written out and was composed by main character Jesus himself.  Yet Paul in his epistles expresses that he does not know how to pray.

Paul was said to have died during  the persecution by Nero in 64C.E.  Yet the Church dates the epistles as written much later.  In the First Epistle of Paul to Timothy it warns against the Marcionist work know as the Antithesis.  Marcion was expelled from the church in 144 C.E.  Yet the this Epistle refers to the book he wrote that caused his expulsion.  The Epistle had to have been written after the book was written, and thus after the death of Paul.  Proof of a forgery.

The First Epistle of Paul to Timothy, the Second Epistle of Paul to Timothy, and the Epistle of Paul to Titus are called “pastoral” Epistles.  Pastoral means that these letters were written by Paul himself.  The other epistles, or non-pastoral epistles, were written with his friends such as Sosthenes, Timothy, Silas, etc.  

The dates attributed to the writing of the Epistles are based on what is contained in the writing and not on any carbon 14 dates of any document.  All carbon dating of alleged authentic written New Testament pieces of the gospels and epistles have come back with an approximate date of 325 C.E.  

PAUL ACCORDING TO SCRIPTURES

Of course Paul wrote most of the Epistles.  He stated that Jesus died and was resurrected “according to the scriptures.”

And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:    1 Corinthians 15:4

Where are these scriptures they cite????  They don’t exist or they would at least have quoted the author who wrote it.

Paul furthers the many pagan cults whose savior is half God half man and who are killed and resurrected.  It was the easiest way for Paul to get followers. Paul admits he didn’t confer with any human or didn’t get his knowledge from the apostles before him.  The “Son” was just in him.  He had just had what it takes and others didn’t.

For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel.

For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.    Galatians 1:11-12

But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace,

To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:

Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.    Galatians 1:15-17

 Everyone Knows Paul
“My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning among my own nation and in Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews.     Acts 26:4

Like Jesus there is no historical record by historians like Josephus and Seneca who wrote about many minor events, didn’t write anything about events like the 200 soldiers, 70 horsemen, and 200 spearmen that “went as far as Caesarea,”  a beach city … far from Jerusalem, to rescue Paul.

23 Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, “Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight.

24 Provide horses for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix.”     Acts 23:23-24

Coincidentally the travels of Paul match the travels of Apollonius the Nazarene virtually identical.  Also their names are almost identical; a–pollonius, Paullus (latin).  Apollonius was from Tarsus, just like Paul.  His journey also originated from Antioch, just like Paul.  Historian Philostratus stated that Apollonius went east and acquired special knowledge from the Arabians such as learning the language of animals.  Paul claims in Galatians to have gone to Arabia for three years and gained mystical knowledge.  Apollonius returned then up the Euphrates to Babylon, then by way of Antioch, Cyprus, and Paphos exactly like Paul did.  Apollonius then went to Ephesus then to Athens, where people flocked to him and he performed miracles.  Paul did exactly the same thing but visited the cities in the opposite order.  Then Apollonius went to Corinth where he had a disciple named Lycian.  Paul had a disciple name Lukus.  Apollonius then traveled around Greece before going to Rome where he was accused of treason, just like Paul.  Apollonius was put in prison where he escaped, just like Paul.  Many miracles were attributed to Apollonius just like Paul.  Apollonius was not fond of Judea and preached mostly to the Gentiles.  Paul preached 17 years to the Gentiles before preaching to the Jews.

Just like the Jesus story, Paul seems to be a rehash of a Greek hero character named Orpheus who had a companion/disciple named Timothy who traveled the same area as did Paul (who had a disciple named Timothy) and preached in the name of Dionysus (HIS, IES, JES, Iasios, Iesious. Jason, Jesus).

AFTER PAUL’S INSTANT CONVERSION DID HE VISIT THE APOSTLES?          

YES 

Soon after his conversion and recovery in Damascus; he spent some time with the Apostles 

19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength.  Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus     Acts 9:19,

26 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.       Acts 9:26

27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. 
28 So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.     Acts 27-28

NO

Not until three years later, and then he only saw Peter and James 

17 I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.

18 Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas[a] and stayed with him fifteen days. 

19 I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. 20 I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie.          Gal 1:17-20
 

PAUL DIDN’T LIKE WOMEN

It is good for a man NOT to touch a woman.    1 Cor 7:1

7 For I [Paul] would that all men were even as I myself. . . . It is good for them if they abide even as I.   

8 Now to the unmarried[a] and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do.     1 Cor 7:7, 8

But what about this contradiction  …

Marriage is honorable in all.    Heb. 13:4

For this cause shall a man leave father and mother and shall cleave to his wife.     Matthew 19:5

And the Lord God said, it is not good that the man should be alone: I will make a help-meet for him.     Gen 2:18

And God said to them, be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth.     Gen 1:28

PAUL LIKED THE MILITARY BUTCH HAIRCUT

Doth not even nature itself teach you, that if a man have long hair, it is a shame to him?     1 Cor 11:14

Isn’t Jesus portrayed as having long hair and a beard???  Old Testament says –

And no razor shall come on his head; for the child shall be a nazarite to God from the womb.     Judg 13:5

All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no razor come on his head; until the days be fulfilled in the which he separates himself to the Lord, he shall be holy, and shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow.   Num 6:5

PAUL STRIKES BLINDNESS

God strikes a sorcerer with blindness for trying to dissuade a potential convert 

6 They traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos. There they met a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, 
7 who was an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. 
8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. 
9 Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, 
10 “You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? 
11 Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind for a time, not even able to see the light of the sun.” Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand.
 12 When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord.        Acts 13:6-12