James D. Tabor on How Paul Created His 'Gospel'

Introduction

James D. Tabor, a renowned scholar of early Christianity and ancient Judaism, has provided significant insights into the formation of Christianity and the role of Paul in shaping its theological framework. His work challenges traditional Christian narratives by examining how Paul developed a unique interpretation of Jesus' teachings, leading to what he calls Paul’s 'Gospel.' Tabor argues that Paul's version of Christianity was distinct from that of Jesus' original followers, emphasizing a theological shift that laid the foundation for later Christian doctrine.

Paul’s Background and Conversion

Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, was a Pharisee deeply entrenched in Jewish law and traditions. His dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, as described in Acts, marked a radical departure from his previous life of persecuting Jesus' followers. According to Tabor, Paul's experience was not just a personal transformation but a revelation that led him to reinterpret Jesus' message in a way that diverged from the teachings of Jesus' earliest disciples.

Paul claimed to have received his gospel directly from a divine revelation rather than from human sources (Galatians 1:11-12). This assertion set him apart from the Jerusalem apostles, such as Peter and James, who had physically followed Jesus and were more aligned with Jewish law and traditions. Paul’s gospel emphasized faith in Christ's death and resurrection as the sole means of salvation, minimizing the role of Jewish law.

The Theological Shift: From Jesus to Paul

Tabor highlights that Jesus’ teachings, as recorded in the Synoptic Gospels, focus on the Kingdom of God, ethical conduct, and adherence to Jewish law. Jesus' message was primarily directed toward Jewish audiences and was deeply rooted in Jewish apocalyptic thought.

Paul, on the other hand, shifted the focus to a Christ-centered salvation. In his epistles, particularly in Romans and Galatians, Paul argues that faith in Christ supersedes the necessity of following the Mosaic Law. He introduced the concept of justification by faith (Romans 3:28), which became a cornerstone of Christian theology.

This theological shift led to significant friction between Paul and the original apostles. In Galatians 2, Paul recounts a dispute with Peter over whether Gentile converts needed to observe Jewish dietary laws. Paul's insistence on a law-free gospel for Gentiles led to what Tabor describes as the 'Pauline revolution'—a departure from Jesus' Jewish context into a more universalized religion.

Paul’s Gospel vs. the Jerusalem Church

Tabor points out that the Jerusalem Church, led by James, the brother of Jesus, maintained a more traditional Jewish-Christian identity. James and his followers continued to observe Jewish law and saw Jesus as the Messiah within the Jewish framework.

Paul, however, took a radically different approach. In his letters, he emphasizes Jesus as a cosmic, pre-existent divine figure whose death and resurrection were central to God's redemptive plan. This Christology was not explicitly taught by Jesus himself but was developed by Paul to appeal to a broader, non-Jewish audience.

Tabor suggests that this divergence created two distinct Christian movements: one rooted in Jewish traditions and another, spearheaded by Paul, that sought to transcend those traditions. Over time, Paul's vision prevailed, becoming the foundation for what would later be known as orthodox Christianity.

The Role of Hellenistic Influence

Another key aspect of Tabor’s argument is the influence of Hellenistic thought on Paul’s theology. Unlike Jesus, who operated within a predominantly Jewish context, Paul engaged with Greco-Roman philosophical concepts, particularly those related to dualism, immortality of the soul, and the Logos.

Paul’s emphasis on Christ as a divine redeemer who atones for human sin through his sacrificial death aligns with themes found in mystery religions and Greco-Roman soteriology. This blending of Jewish and Hellenistic elements made Paul’s gospel more accessible to a non-Jewish audience, accelerating the spread of Christianity beyond its Jewish origins.

Conclusion

James D. Tabor’s analysis of Paul’s role in shaping Christianity offers a compelling reevaluation of Christian origins. He argues that Paul’s 'Gospel' was a distinct innovation, differing significantly from the teachings of Jesus and his earliest followers. By emphasizing faith in Christ’s death and resurrection over adherence to Jewish law, Paul laid the groundwork for the Christian doctrine that would dominate Western religious thought.

Tabor’s work challenges readers to consider the implications of this theological shift and to recognize the complexities involved in the formation of early Christianity. His insights underscore the historical and doctrinal tensions that shaped the faith, inviting further exploration into the true nature of Jesus' message versus the gospel that Paul ultimately created.