Why is the Validity of Paul's Ministry still Challenged Today?

From beginning to end, Paul's ministry was an uphill battle. Even the Lord said that Paul was to suffer many things for His name (Acts 9:16). Paul had to constantly reiterate his calling and qualify his doctrine (Galatians 1:1; Galatians 1:11; 1 Timothy 2:7; Galatians 2:8). This was to be expected as He was not only preaching that Jesus Christ was alive, but he was also preaching that salvation comes by faith in Christs death and resurrection, and he was taking his message out not only to Jews but to the godless Gentiles in his day. Nevertheless, the Lord provided enough evidence that Paul was legitimate and that his message was endorsed and authorized by the Lord Himself.

The trend of skepticism and rejection of Paul still continues today. On an individual level and even on a denominational level, Paul's message is either belittled, ignored, or denied. I recently had a reply to one of my posts which spoke of the credibility of Paul and his ministry. It read as follows,

COMMENT

Jesus is weeping to think that Paul saw His life and death as compensatory toward an angry God. It isn’t Jesus' death that is important, it’s his LIFE and TEACHING. Paul turned the gospel according to Jesus into a religion rather than how Jesus taught us to live.

In Paul’s head believing was first, LIVING was second. But in James’ head, it was the opposite, and in line with what his brother Jesus taught.

MY RESPONSE

Paul’s entire ministry and doctrine is given to him by the risen and glorified Jesus Christ. If you reject Paul’s gospel and doctrine, then you are rejecting the Word of God given to the Gentiles by Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus’ earthly ministry was doctrine specific for the Jews (Matthew 10:6; Matthew 15:24). Paul’s ministry (given to him by Jesus) is doctrine for the Body of Christ today. (Romans 11:13; Galatians 1:1)

Jesus:

Acts 9:15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he [Paul] is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

Paul:

1 Corinthians 14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

Peter:

2 Peter 3:15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

God’s redemption plan consists of TWO parts, one under law for the Jews and one under grace for the Gentiles. One is via prophecy (Jews) and one is mystery (Gentiles). These are two distinct and separate parts of one plan. If you try to blend these into one doctrine or simply ignore any one of them, you compromise the context and validity of God’s word.

The commentor says two things that are concerning to his own salvation and understanding of God's dealings in the world today,

It isn’t Jesus' death that is important, it’s his LIFE and TEACHING.

If you diminish the cross work of Christ and do not put your hope in the death of Christ, how are you to be saved. Our salvation today is centered in the death and resurrection of Christ. This is part of the mystery that Paul's gospel unlocks for us. The life of Christ (and His teachings) are important for the Jews, as their hope is centered around a living Messiah who will rule and reign in the Millennial Kingdom. As for us, our entire hope is in the death of Christ for the forgiveness of sins and justification. This is absolutely critical to comprehend in this grace dispensation.
Paul turned the gospel according to Jesus into a religion rather than how Jesus taught us to live.

As mentioned above, Jesus entire earthly ministry was to the Jews only (Matthew 10:6; Matthew 15:24). Paul's doctrine is not a religion but rather instructions for life, God's will for us today. Without Paul's epistles, there would be no grace dispensation and it would leave humanity with no hope and without God in this world. (Eph.2).

If you are one who currently agrees with the comment above, I trust you will research this and allow yourself the opportunity to get the full picture of God’s Word and redemption plan. Review the links below for additional proof of the validity of Paul's ministry,