How did the church’s Christology evolve so quickly from what Jesus taught, as indicated by his words in the synoptic gospels, to what Paul taught? Were Paul’s ideas completely original, or are did he tie together existing threads from what he learned of Jesus’s teaching and from other sources (e.g., Judaism of the time or Hellenistic philosophy)? Can anyone recommend resources within and/or outside of this blog that address this question?
kllpmath said
How did the church’s Christology evolve so quickly from what Jesus taught, as indicated by his words in the synoptic gospels, to what Paul taught? Were Paul’s ideas completely original, or are did he tie together existing threads from what he learned of Jesus’s teaching and from other sources (e.g., Judaism of the time or Hellenistic philosophy)? Can anyone recommend resources within and/or outside of this blog that address this question?
The synoptic gospels didn’t exist when Paul was spreading Christianity.
If one assumes that Paul lied about having a supernatural experience meeting Jesus, then Paul essentially invented his version of Christianity out of what little he knew of Jesus (mostly that he was crucified and people claimed to have seen him after he was killed).
Thanks, Stephen, that book Two Powers in Heaven
Stephen said
Welcome klipmath!Robert is right. The architecture was already in place. Jesus was the wine poured into a cup that already existed. If you want a deep dive see ** you do not have permission to see this link **.
Thanks, Stephen, that book ‘Two Powers in Heaven’ appears to be exactly what I was looking for – contemporary Jewish views of early Christianity.
Chad Stuart said
Thanks, Stephen, that book Two Powers in HeavenThanks, Stephen, that book ‘Two Powers in Heaven’ appears to be exactly what I was looking for – contemporary Jewish views of early Christianity.
Glad to be of service. Judging by the times he gets namechecked by other scholars Segal’s work has been extraordinarily influential.
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