Chapter 5
Paul vs The Bible

Paul gets special attention here, because he boasted that he spoke for Christ, and he wrote a significant portion of the New Testament. He habitually contradicted the Old Testament, God, and Jesus in the pursuit of his new theology.

"I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost," Rom 9:1

"As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia." 2Cor 11:10

5.1 Paul said that God lied.

"And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: " 2Thes 2:11

Paul said that God could not lie.

"…God, that cannot lie…" Tit 1:2

"…it was impossible for God to lie…" Heb 6:18

5.2 In Acts, Paul said that Christ would be the first to rise from the dead.

"Moses said…that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead…" Acts 26:23

But the Bible said that others rose from the dead before Jesus.

"The Lord heard Elijah’s cry, and the boy’s life returned to him, and he lived." 1Kgs 17:22

"When the body touched Elisha’s bones, the man came to life…" 2Kgs 13:21

"I see a spirit coming up out of the ground…Samuel said to Saul, ‘…you disturbed me by bringing me up.’" 1Sam 28:13-15

"…the boy lay dead on the couch…The boy…opened his eyes." 2Kgs 4:32-35

"[Jarius] daughter just died…[Jesus] took the girl by the hand and she got up." Mt 9:18-25

"The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life…and after Jesus’ resurrection they went into the holy city…" Mt 27:52

"…Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus." Lk 9:28-30

"…a dead person was being carried out…The dead man sat up and began to talk." Lk 7:12-15

"The dead man [Lazarus] came out…" Jn 11:43-44

5.3 The Bible said that circumcision was commanded by God.

"This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised." Gen 17:10

Paul said that circumcision was useless.

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

5.4 The gospels said that the disciples’ mission was to baptize.

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:" Mt 28:19

"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." Mk 16:16

"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." Jn 3:5

Paul denied that he had a mission to baptize.

Paul: "I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius…For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel…" 1Cor 1:14,17

5.5 Paul said that Christ would judge mankind.

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ…" 2Cor 5:10

Then Paul said that the saints would judge the world.

"Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world?" 1Cor 6:2

Then again, Paul said that God was the judge.

"…God the Judge of all…" Heb 12:23

5.6 Jesus said that we were not to judge others.

"Judge not, that ye be not judged." Mt 7:1

Paul contradicted Jesus.

"But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man." 1Cor 2:15

"For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?" 1Cor 5:12

Paul even contradicted himself.

"Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?" 1Cor 6:2

"…God the Judge of all…" Heb 12:23

5.7 The Bible said that "the just" and those who "love God" would not suffer evil.

"There shall no evil happen to the just…" Prov 12:21

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God…" Rom 8:28

Paul ignored the Old Testament’s view. He even contradicted himself.

"For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." Heb 12:6

5.8 The Old Testament said we should not be angry.

"He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. Prov 16:32

"Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:" Prov 22:24

"Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools." Ecc 7:9

Paul said that anger was okay.

"Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:" Eph 4:26

5.9 Paul said that all men must die.

"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" Heb 9:27

Paul also said that not all men die.

"Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed," 1Cor 15:51

"For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep." 1Thes 4:15

"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:" 1Thes 4:16

"By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God." Heb 11:5

Elsewhere in the Bible, some men did not die.

"Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven." 2Kgs 2:11

"By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him." Heb 11:5

5.10 The Bible said that Abraham was going to Canaan.

"And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came." Gen 12:5

Paul said that Abraham did not know where he was going.

"By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went." Heb 11:8

5.11 God said that it was not good to be alone.

"And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone…" Gen 2:18

Paul praised bachelorhood.

"For I would that all men were [single] as I myself." 1Cor 7:7
"…Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife." 1Cor 7:27

5.12 Jesus said not to call people fools.

"…whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire." Mt 5:22

Paul called people fools.

"We are fools for Christ’s sake…" 1Cor 4:10

"Thou fool…" 1Cor 15:36

"O foolish Galatians…" Gal 3:1

5.13 Paul said that speaking in tongues could be understood.

"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance……every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled…And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?" Acts 2:4,6-8

Paul said that speaking in tongues could not be understood.

"For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries." 1Cor 14:2

5.14 Paul said that we should not covet.

"…Thou shalt not covet…" Rom 13:9

Paul said that we should covet.

"But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way." 1Cor 12:31

5.15 Paul said that we should bear each other’s burdens.(1)

"Carry each other’s burdens…" Gal 6:2

Paul said that we should bear our own burdens.

"…for each one should carry his own load." Gal 6:5

5.16 Paul said that we should not become servants of men.

"…be not ye the servants of men." 1Cor 7:23

Paul said that we must obey our masters.

"Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh…" Col 3:22

5.17 The Old Testament said that the earth would last forever.

"Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes…that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the Lord thy God giveth thee, for ever." Deut 4:40

"Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever." Ps 104:5

"…the earth abideth for ever." Ecc 1:4

Peter and Paul said that it would not.

"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up." 2Pet 3:10

"And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens…they shall perish…" Heb 1:10

5.18 The Old Testament said that Moses fled from Pharaoh in fear.

"And Moses feared…Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh…" Ex 2:14

Paul said that Moses did not fear Pharaoh.

"[Moses] forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king…" Heb 11:27

5.19 The Old Testament said that God was surrounded by darkness.

"Then spake Solomon, The Lord said that he would dwell in the thick darkness." 1Kgs 8:12

"He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies." Ps 18:11

"Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne." Ps 97:2

Paul said that God was surrounded by light.

"[Only God] hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto…" 1Tim 6:16

5.20 Paul preached forgiveness.

"Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not." Rom 12:14

Except for those who cheated him personally.

"Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:" 2Tim 4:14

5.21 Paul contradicted himself on his own glory.

"For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle…" 1Cor 15:9

"For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles." 2Cor 11:5

5.22 The Bible admonished us not to boast but to let others praise us.

"Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips." Prov 27:2

Paul ignored this.

"That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also." 2Cor 11:17,18

"I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing." 2Cor 12:11

5.23 The Old Testament said that it was 476 years from leaving the wilderness to Solomon’s reign.

"And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel,…" 1Kgs 6:1

Paul said that after the conquest of Canaan the Israelites were ruled by judges for 450 years until Samuel showed up.

"And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan…and after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet." Acts 13:19,20

This means that, according to Paul, Saul and David together cannot have ruled for more than 25 years. The Old Testament, however, said that David reigned 40 years.

"David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years." 2Sam 5:4

5.24 The Bible said that God satisfied the needs and desires of all.

"The eyes of all wait upon thee [God]; and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing." Ps 145:15

Paul said that the whole of creation lived in pain.

"For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now." Rom 8:22

5.25 Paul said that the doers of the law would be justified.

" For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified." Rom 2:13

Paul said that the doers of the law would not be justified.

"Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin." Rom 3:20

5.26 Paul claimed that all scripture came from God.

"…the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord." 1Cor 14:37

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God…" 2Tim 3:16

Paul also denied his own writings were inspired by God.

"But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment." 1Cor 7:6

"But to the rest speak I, not the Lord…" 1Cor 7:12

"Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord…" 1Cor 7:25

"That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting." 2Cor 11:17

"…whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;" 2Cor 12:3

5.27 The Bible said that all things were possible with God.

"…with God all things are possible." Mt 19:26 & Mk 10:27

"…the Lord God omnipotent reigneth." Rev 19:6

"…I am the Almighty God…" Gen 17:1

Paul said that it was impossible for God to lie.

"…it was impossible for God to lie…" Heb 6:18

5.28 Paul said that God rewarded everyone according to their deeds and labor.

"[God] will render to every man according to his deeds:" Rom 2:6

"…every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour." 1Cor 3:8

The Old Testament, however, said that many received undeserved rewards.

"And I have given you a land for which ye did not labour, and cities which ye built not, and ye dwell in them; of the vineyards and oliveyards which ye planted not do ye eat." Josh 24:13

5.29 Paul said that his hands were clean.

"Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men." Acts 20:26

But Paul was personally responsible for the deaths of many.

"And Saul [Paul], yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest," Acts 9:1

"…Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem…" Acts 9:21

"And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women." Acts 22:4

"And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death…" Acts 22:20

"Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them." Acts 26:10

5.30 Paul said that the spirit compelled him to go to Jerusalem.

"And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem…" Acts 20:22

Paul said that the spirit urged him not to go to Jerusalem.

"And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem." Acts 21:4

5.31 The Old Testament associated long hair with holiness.

"…and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines." Judg 13:5

"…I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head." 1Sam 1:11

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

Paul said that long hair was shameful.

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

5.32 The Old Testament said that God was a man of war.

"The Lord is a man of war…" Ex 15:3

"…Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:" Ps 144:1

Paul said that God was the author of peace.

"Now the God of peace be with you all…" Rom 15:33

"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace…" 1Cor 14:33

"Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means." 2Thes 3:16

5.33 In I John, God was love.

"…God is love." 1Jn 4:8

But Paul also said that God was fire.

"For our God is a consuming fire." Heb 12:29

5.34 The Bible provided many examples of God sewing confusion, trouble, and conflict.

"…I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things." Isa 45:7

"Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem…" Judg 9:23

"…an evil spirit from the Lord troubled [Saul]." 1Sam 16:14

"…God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:" 2Thes 2:11

Paul said that God did not create confusion.

"For God is not the author of confusion…" 1Cor 14:33

5.35 Paul couldn’t get his story straight when retelling a story about his conversion on the road to Damascus. First, the men were standing and heard the voice.

"And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man." Acts 9:7

Then they were standing but did not hear anything.

"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

Then they were on the ground and did not hear anything.

"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

Paul said that he saw Jesus.

"Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord?" 1Cor 9:1

Paul also said that he heard but did not see Jesus.

"And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?…And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man…and Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man…and he was three days without sight…" Acts 9:4,7-9

"And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" Acts 22:7

"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…" Acts 26:14

5.36 Paul said that he would not use trickery.

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

Paul used trickery.

"…nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile." 2Cor 12:16

5.37 The Old Testament said that there were 24,000 plague casualties.

"And those that died in the plague were twenty and four thousand." Num 25:9

Paul said that there were 23,000.

"Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand." 1Cor 10:8

5.38 Paul said that signs, wonders, and miracles bore witness of God.

"…Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:" Acts 2:22

"God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?" Heb 2:4

Jesus said that there would be no signs.

"…Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation." Mk 8:12

The Bible said that signs should not be used as a test.

"If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams…" Deut 13:1-3

"For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." Mt 24:24

5.39 Jesus admonished his disciples not to preach to Gentiles but to Jews only.

"These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles…" Mt 10:5

"But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel." Mt 15:24

"Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews." Jn 4:22

Paul dismissed those marching orders by saying that he would preach to the Gentiles.

"For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles…" Acts 13:47

"…he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles." Acts 18:6

"That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost." Rom 15:16

Paul also said that there was no difference between Jews and Gentiles.

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." Rom 1:16

"Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:" Rom 3:22

"For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him." Rom 10:12

5.40 Paul said that it was his duty to take the message of the gospel to the Gentiles, the uncircumcised; but it was Peter’s job to take it to the Jews, the circumcised.

"But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;" Gal 2:7

Peter said that it was his job to take the message to the Gentiles, not to the Jews.

"And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe." Acts 15:7

5.41 Jesus said that the law was permanent. He said all of it, not just a portion of it.

"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." Mt 5:17

"The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do…" Mt 23:2,3

Paul said that the law no longer applied.

"…ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ…But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter." Rom 7:4,6

"Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law…" Gal 3:13

5.42 Paul would have us honor our parents in accordance with the commandment.

"Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; "Eph 6:2

Jesus made hatred of one’s parents a prerequisite for discipleship.

"If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother…he cannot be my disciple." Lk 14:26

5.43 Jesus told us to pray in private.

"And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men…But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret…" Mt 6:5,6

Paul told us to pray everywhere with dramatic gestures.

"I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands…"1Tim 2:8

5.44 Jesus said that all power was given to him.

"…All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." Mt 28:18

Paul said that all power was given to Satan’s henchman.

"Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders," 2Thes 2:9

5.45 Jesus said that he was not omniscient (all knowing).

"But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father." Mk 13:32

Paul said that Jesus knew everything.

"In whom [Christ] are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Col 2:3

5.46 Jesus said that everyone with faith would have everlasting life.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Jn 3:16

Paul said that only Jesus had immortality.

"[the Lord] Who only hath immortality…" 1Tim 6:16

5.47 Jesus trashed the moneychangers’ tables in the temple and threw out the merchants.

"And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers…" Mt 21:12 & Mk 11:15 & Lk 19:45

Paul said that men were to be meek and gentle.

"To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men." Titus 3:2

5.48 Jesus said that he did not come to bring peace.

"Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword." Mt 10:34

"I am come to send fire on the earth…Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: for from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law." Lk 12:49,50-53

Luke and Paul said that Jesus did come to bring peace.

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Lk 2:14

"For he is our peace…so making peace…And came and preached peace to you…" Eph 2:14,15,17

5.49 Jesus said that we had one master.

"Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ." Mt 23:10

Paul said that there were many masters.

"Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;" Eph 6:5

5.50 Jesus said that he and God were one.

"I and my Father are one." Jn 10:30

Paul said that Christ was distinct from God, since he sat beside God.

"It is Christ…who is even at the right hand of God…" Rom 8:34

5.51 Jesus assured us that we shouldn’t worry about providing for ourselves.

"…Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on…" Mt 6:25

Paul said that we would be rewarded according to our own labor. If we didn’t work, we didn’t eat.

"…every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour." 1Cor 3:8

"…if any would not work, neither should he eat." 2Thes 3:10

5.52 The Old Testament said that we should repay an eye for an eye.

"Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe." Ex 21:24,25

Paul said that we should not repay evil with evil.

"Recompense to no man evil for evil…" Rom 12:17

5.53 The Old Testament praised wisdom.

"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." Prov 4:7

Paul said that it was written that wisdom would avail nothing.

"For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent." 1Cor 1:19

5.54 Paul said that the disciples were to be filled with the holy spirit some days hence.

"To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion…ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." Acts 1:3,5

John said that Jesus did it that Sunday, not days hence.

"Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week…came Jesus and stood in the midst…he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:" Jn 20:19,22

Paul gave a different account of how the disciples were filled with the holy spirit.

"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come…And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." Acts 2:1-4

5.55 In Acts, Paul saw the disciples in Jerusalem.

"But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket. 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. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem." Acts 9:24-28

In Galatians, Paul did not see the apostles. No lie!

"Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother. Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not." Gal 1:17,20

5.56 Jesus said that he laid down his life for his friends.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Jn 15:13

Paul said that Jesus laid down his life for his enemies.

"…when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son…" Rom 5:10

5.57 The following quotation was either a figment of Paul’s imagination or an expansion of the oral legend. It didn’t appear in the gospels, and Paul never met Jesus when he was alive, so he can’t have had any independent knowledge of what Jesus said.

"…Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’" Acts 20:35

5.58 Another fulfillment of scripture was claimed by Paul.

"Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus." Acts 1:16

However, the quote by David never mentioned Judas.

"Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me." Ps 41:9

The speaker admitted to sinning; but since Jesus did not sin, this cannot have been Jesus speaking.

"I said, Lord, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee." Ps 41:4

"…in [Jesus] is no sin." 1Jn 3:5

"[Jesus] did no sin…:" 1Pet 2:22

5.59 Paul made a specific reference to a passage in Psalms.

"God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee." Acts 13:33

But Psalms 2 said nothing of Jesus. It did not mention rising from the dead, it did not say Jesus is the son of God, it did not say that anyone rising from the dead was the son of God, and it did not say that the son of God must rise from the dead.

"I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee." Ps 2:7

5.60 Paul said that half of the Ten Commandments, which covered the worship of God, could be summed up as "love thy neighbor." They can’t possibly be interpreted that way.

"For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law." Rom 13:9,10

5.61 Paul referred to the sure mercies of David.

"…I will give you the sure mercies of David." Acts 13:34

But David was merciless.

"And he brought forth the people that were therein, and put them under saws, and under harrows of iron, and under axes of iron, and made them pass through the brickkiln: and thus did he unto all the cities of the children of Ammon." 2Sam 12:31

"And he brought out the people that were in it, and cut them with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes. Even so dealt David with all the cities of the children of Ammon." 1Cr 20:3

5.62 Paul said that Moses was given the law 430 years after God made promises to Abraham.

"Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after…" Gal 3:16

This conflicts with passages which allot at least 400-430 years of exile in Egypt alone.(2)

"And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;" Gen 15:13

"Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years." Ex 12:40

5.63 Paul misquoted Psalms.

"The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity." Ps 94:11

"…The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain." 1Cor 3:20

5.64 Paul misquoted Psalms again.

"Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men…" Ps 68:18

"Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men." Eph 4:8

5.65 Paul misquoted Psalms yet again.

"…that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest." Ps 51:4

"…as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged." Rom 3:4

5.66 Paul again misquoted and misused a passage from Psalms.

"Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required." Ps 40:6

"…Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: in burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure." Heb 10:5

5.67 Paul misquoted Isaiah.

"…there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek…" Isa 11:10

"And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust." Rom 15:12

5.68 Paul misquoted Isaiah again.

"For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him." Isa 64:4

"But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." 1Cor 2:9

5.69 Paul misquoted and misused Isaiah again, substituting "out of" for "to" and inventing the salvation bits. He also had the deliverer "turn away godliness from Jacob," rather than have him come to them "that turn away from godliness in Jacob."

"And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the Lord. As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the Lord" Isa 59:20,21

"And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: for this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins." Rom 11:26,27

5.70 Paul messed up another passage from Isaiah for his own purposes.

"And he shall be…for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem." Isa 8:14

"Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded." 1Pet 2:6

5.71 Paul again messed up a passage from Isaiah to his own ends.

"…Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste." Isa 28:16

"As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed." Rom 9:33

5.72 Paul cited a passage which didn’t exist.

"For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed." Rom 10:11

5.73 Paul said that it was written, but the closest writings didn’t say the same thing Paul said they said.

"So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" 1Cor 15:54,55

"He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth…" Isa 25:8

"…O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction…" Hos 13:14

5.74 Paul adjusted Habakkuk’s discussion of his vision by changing "it" to "he" to make it seem to apply to Jesus.

"For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry." Hab 2:3

"For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry." Heb 10:36,37

5.75 Paul used two names which didn’t appear in the Old Testament.

"Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses…" 2Tim 3:8

5.76 Paul referred to a prophecy about Timothy which didn’t exist in the Old Testament.

"This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;" 1Tim 1:18

5.77 Paul said that Jesus was seen by five-hundred people after the resurrection, but the scriptures didn’t say that, and there was no other testimony for this claim.

"After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep." 1Cor 15:6

5.78 Paul cited a passage which "is written," but which was not in the Bible.

"For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you [Jews who don’t keep the law], as it is written." Rom 2:24

5.79 Contrary to Paul’s boast, the gospels have not reached everyone, especially not by the time of his own ministry in the first century CE.

"…the gospel…which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;" Col 1:23

5.80 Paul adjusted the politics of the crucifixion. Jesus was crucified at the behest of the priesthood and the mob, but against the advice of the local Princes.

"Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." 1Cor 2:8

5.81 Paul implied that Jesus’ brother James was an apostle.

"But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother." Gal 1:19

The scriptures said Jesus had a brother named James, but he was never called an apostle.

"Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?" Mt 13:55

"Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us?" Mk 6:3

"…Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;" Mk 15:40

Perhaps Paul was confusing Jesus’ brother, James, with the other Jameses: the son of Zebedee or the son of Alphaeus.

"Now the names of the twelve apostles are these…James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;" Mt 10:2

"…James the son of Alphaeus…" Mk 3:18

5.82 Paul said Jesus appeared to "the twelve" apostles after the resurrection, but Matthew said Judas hanged himself immediately after Jesus’ condemnation, probably before the crucifixion. The two replacements weren’t appointed until after Jesus’ ascension, making thirteen. Therefore, there can’t have been "twelve" apostles around to see Jesus at the time Paul said they were.

"And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: and that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:" 1Cor 15:4,5

"And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself." Mt 27:5

"And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias." Acts 1:23

5.83 Paul said that Moses suffered for Christ. The Old Testament said no such thing.

"Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for [Moses] had respect unto the recompense of the reward." Heb 11:26

5.84 Paul said that people were tortured, because they anticipated resurrection. The Old Testament said no such thing.

"Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:" Heb 11:35

5.85 History shows us ample evidence that Paul was wrong about a God-given harmony in the Christian church.

"…God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: that there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular." 1Cor 12:24-27

5.86 Paul said that God appointed his son to be his heir. This implies that God would somehow leave office.

"[God spoke] unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things…" Heb 1:2

But the Old Testament said that God would be around at the end.

God: "…I am the first, I also am the last." Isa 48:12

5.87 Paul said that the law was given to the Israelites under the Levite priesthood.

"If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,)…" Heb 7:11

The Old Testament said that the Levites were assigned the priesthood after the golden calf incident (Ex 32) which was after the law arrived (Ex 20-23,31).

5.88 Paul claimed that the covenant from Sinai is, by allegory, associated with Abraham’s son by the bondwoman, Agar. However, the Bible clearly said that it was the descendants of Isaac, the son of freewoman, Sarah, that received the law from Sinai.

"For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar." Gal 4:22-25

5.89 Paul invented Christ-like attributes for Melchisedec without any authority from the Old Testament.

"For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God…to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually." Heb 7:1-4

The Old Testament only called Melchizedek a priest. He was never characterized as above.

"And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God." Gen 14:18

"And the Lord appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto Christ will I give this land…." Gen 12:7

"And I will make Christ as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall Christ also be numbered." Gen 13:16

"And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that Christ shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;" Gen 15:13

"And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with Christ after him." Gen 17:19

"That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply Christ as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;" Gen 22:17

5.94 Paul implied that Moses was made afraid by the commotion on

"And s o terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:" He

However, Deuteronomy clearly said that Moses feared for the anger of God when he found the Israelites worshipping the golden calf.

"For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure, wherewith the Lord was wroth against you to destroy you…" Deut 9:19

5.95 Paul and Barnabas violated Jesus’ orders by traveling through Samaria.

"These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into…any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:" Mt 10:5

"…they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles…" Acts 15:3

5.96 How come Jesus was always portrayed in religious paintings as having long hair? Paul didn’t anticipate this, and artists didn’t read the Bible very c

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

5.97 Paul quoted Jesus, but Jesus never said any such thing. The closest passages come from Psalms (Ps 40:6,7,12).

"Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God." Heb 10:5-7