4.16 Accusation: Power theory

Published by 1c15 on 3rd December 20193rd December 2019

Did Paul convert to Christianity to lead the church in one of the most prominent positions? Well we know Paul was moving up Jewish leadership very quickly. Perhaps it wasn’t fast enough for him? Perhaps he would establish the Christian church would be filled with pride and empowered if he became a Christian (Comparable to let’s say Richard Dawkins & the late Christopher Hitchens becoming Christians to become global speakers for the church, hard to imagine, right?)

New Testament critic Evan Fales says Paul needed a legitimate claim of independent authority and could finally realise his dreams for goals of power faster in the church than in Judaism. The power theory makes sense for some, but unlikely Paul for a number of reasons.

1. Paul’s actions indicate no chase for power. 

According to Paul’s own testimony, after 17 years, he only returned to Jerusalem to check with the apostles if the gospel he was preaching was correct. He wanted to ensure his labours had not been in vein. It maybe only then that the fellowship of the church accepted him as a leader in the church. (Quite a long time right?).

2. Roman citizenship

Why didn’t Paul search for power with his Roman citizenship within Roman government? Much more power there.

3. Hard life

Paul lived a hard life and doesn’t reflect a life of self-gratification. Paul accepted multiple beatings, imprisonments, life being put in danger continuously, and lived a life close to poverty for the sake of the gospel.

Sources for ‘Power’

• Evans critique on power chasing —Evan Fales, “Successful Defense? A Review of In Defense of Miracles,” Philosophia Christi, Series 2, 3.1 (2001): 32.
• -Response — See Gary R. Habermas, “Replies to Evan Fales: The Appearances of Jesus,” in ibid., 81–83.
• 17 years — Galatians 2:1-10