Why do some theologians say Paul contradicted Jesus' teachings?
Some theologians promote the theory that Paul, as founder of Christianity, stood in complete contradiction to Jesus' teachings. This claim is promoted because it makes for good book sales. It is not actual opposition: Paul's message is an extension of Jesus' teachings, not under Law but under Grace, serving the same God and Christ.
Les explains that the Jewish believers had come in by virtue of the Kingdom economy and the Kingdom Gospel, while Paul now went in a different direction, yet still serving the same God. He warns not to lose sight of that. An article claimed theologians are promoting the theory that Paul, even though he was the founder of Christianity, was in complete contradiction to the teachings of Jesus. Les says this makes for good book sales, but it is not opposition—it is a difference: not under Law but under Grace, yet the same God and same Christ. He points to Ephesians 3:1, where Paul calls himself the prisoner of Jesus Christ for the Gentiles, proving Paul’s message is an extension of Jesus’ teachings, not direct opposition.