THE HIJACK · PAUL VS JESUS

Paul vs Jesus

The New Testament contains 27 books. 13 are attributed to Paul. Only 4 are Gospels that quote Jesus directly. Paul never met Jesus. He was a Roman-educated Pharisee who had a vision on a road. Here is what the two actually said.

Books attributed to Paul (or his followers)

Gospels that directly quote Jesus's words

Times Paul met Jesus in person

SIDE BY SIDE

ON ENEMIES

JESUS SAID

"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."

Matthew 5:44

PAUL SAID

"Submit yourselves to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established."

Romans 13:1

ON WEALTH

JESUS SAID

"Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out."

Luke 12:33

PAUL SAID

"Godliness with contentment is great gain."

1 Timothy 6:6

ON WOMEN

JESUS SAID

"Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her. (Defending Mary's right to sit and learn with the disciples)"

Luke 10:42

PAUL SAID

"Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission."

1 Corinthians 14:34

ON AUTHORITY

JESUS SAID

"You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you."

Matthew 20:25-26

PAUL SAID

"Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ."

Ephesians 6:5

ON PRAYER

JESUS SAID

"When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen."

Matthew 6:6

PAUL SAID

"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority."

1 Timothy 2:1-2

ON THE KINGDOM

JESUS SAID

"The kingdom of God is within you."

Luke 17:21

PAUL SAID

"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes."

Romans 1:16

WHY THIS IS A FUNDAMENTAL ISSUE

Jesus Taught Radical Action

Jesus told people to sell their possessions, feed the hungry, heal the sick, and challenge unjust systems. Paul taught obedience to authority and submission to rulers.

Jesus Emphasised Transformation

Jesus called for metanoia: a complete change of direction and mind. Paul created a system of belief where you could be 'saved' through faith alone, without changing your life.

Jesus Challenged Power

Jesus was executed by the state for threatening the system. Paul's theology became the state's religion, used to justify empires, slavery, and oppression.

Jesus Gave No Doctrine

Jesus taught through parables, stories, and lived example. Paul created systematic theology: creeds, doctrines, and rules that became the basis for institutional control.