How Paul’s epistles engineered early Christianity

The epistles of Paul, often regarded as the cornerstone of Christian theology, were among the earliest written documents of the New Testament. Far from casual correspondence, these letters were carefully constructed to address pressing issues within emerging Christian communities. Their content reveals not only Paul’s theological convictions but also his strategic efforts to unify diverse groups, define doctrinal foundations, and establish his authority as a leader within the early church. In this post, we explore the intentionality behind Paul’s epistles, analyze their historical context, theological objectives, and their profound impact on the development of Christianity.

“Paul writing his epistles, shaping Christianity”, interpreted by DALL•E.

Historical context: Christianity in flux

Paul wrote his epistles between approximately 50 and 65 CE, during a period of intense growth and diversification in early Christianity. This was a time when the movement was still defining its identity, transitioning from a Jewish sect into a universal religion. The followers of Jesus were grappling with critical questions: Who was Jesus, and what was the significance of his death and resurrection? How could Gentiles be integrated into a predominantly Jewish movement? What ethical and communal practices should define this new faith?

Paul’s letters were primarily addressed to specific communities, including those in Corinth, Galatia, Rome, and Thessalonica. These communities were often characterized by social, cultural, and theological diversity, leading to disputes and challenges that demanded resolution. Paul’s epistles aimed to provide clarity and guidance, offering solutions that were as theological as they were practical.

Paul’s theological framework: Constructing a celestial Christ

Richard Carrier, a historian and philosopher known for his work on the origins of Christianity, has proposed hypotheses of a mythological rather than historical origin of Jesus. Carrier suggests that Paul’s epistles played a central role in constructing early Christian beliefs about such a celestial savior. Carrier draws a parallel to the experience of Muhammad, who claimed to receive divine revelations from the archangel Gabriel and recorded them as the Quran. Similarly, Paul claimed to receive his Gospel directly from the celestial Jesus through visions and revelations as further elaborated in the following section, highlighting that it was not unusual in religious history for foundational texts to originate from visionary experiences attributed to celestial beings. This analogy underscores how Paul’s writings can be seen as a precedent for later religious narratives shaped by claimed divine encounters. Rather than portraying Jesus as a recently deceased historical figure, Paul presents Christ as a cosmic entity whose death and resurrection occurred in a spiritual realm. Carrier argues that Paul’s writings reflect an early theological framework in which Jesus was understood primarily as a heavenly being revealed through visions and esoteric interpretations of scripture.

Christ revealed through visions and scripture

In Galatians 1:11-12, Paul explicitly states that his Gospel was not taught by any human being but received through revelation from Christ. This emphasis on direct divine revelation underscores Carrier’s view that early Christians, including Paul, conceived of Jesus as a figure accessible through mystical experiences rather than historical memory. Paul’s reliance on Old Testament scripture to explain Christ’s role (e.g., Romans 4, where he uses the story of Abraham) further supports the idea that Paul’s understanding of Jesus was shaped by allegorical readings rather than eyewitness accounts.

Esoteric language and mystical themes

Carrier highlights Paul’s frequent use of the term “mystery” to describe elements of the Christian faith. In 1 Corinthians 2:7, Paul speaks of a “hidden wisdom” destined for believers’ glory before time began. This esoteric language suggests that early Christian theology had a secretive, mystical dimension, aligning it with the characteristics of ancient mystery cults. Paul’s presentation of Christ as a pre-existent divine figure, who humbles himself and takes on human form (Philippians 2:6-8), reinforces the notion of a cosmic savior whose story unfolds in a mythological framework.

The epistles as myth-making tools

Paul’s epistles not only provided theological instruction but also laid the groundwork for the later historicization of Jesus in the Gospels. Carrier argues that Paul’s letters were instrumental in constructing a narrative about a divine savior whose mission was universal in scope. By emphasizing faith in Christ’s death and resurrection as the path to salvation, Paul created a theological template that Gospel writers would later adapt into historical narratives.

Bridging Jewish and Hellenistic traditions

Paul’s writings reflect a synthesis of Jewish eschatological expectations and Hellenistic soteriological themes. His portrayal of Jesus as a sacrificial figure who conquers death echoes both the Jewish concept of the suffering servant and the Hellenistic motif of dying-and-rising gods. Carrier suggests that this blending of traditions allowed Paul to craft a message that resonated with a diverse audience, laying the foundation for Christianity’s spread beyond its Jewish origins.

A precursor to Gospel mythologization

According to Carrier, Paul’s theological framework served as the precursor to the Gospel narratives. While Paul emphasized the cosmic and spiritual aspects of Christ’s mission, the Gospel authors later grounded these ideas in a historical setting to make them more relatable and authoritative. The passion narratives, in particular, reflect themes central to Paul’s theology, such as sacrificial death and triumph over sin and death.

Eschatology as myth and motivation

Paul’s eschatological outlook was a driving force behind his missionary efforts and theological exhortations. He believed that Christ’s return was imminent and that believers needed to prepare for the end times. Carrier interprets this apocalyptic urgency as part of the mythological framework within which early Christians operated. The expectation of an impending cosmic transformation provided a powerful motivator for community cohesion and moral discipline.

Paul’s influence on later Gospel narratives

Carrier argues that the theological themes in Paul’s epistles directly influenced the Gospel writers. Key elements of the Gospel narratives, such as the focus on Jesus’ sacrificial death, the reinterpretation of Jewish scripture, and the emphasis on faith and grace, can be traced back to Paul’s writings. By framing Jesus as both the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy and the savior of all humanity, Paul set the stage for the Gospel authors to create narratives that blended history with theology.

Implications for understanding early Christianity

Paul’s epistles, when viewed through the lens of Carrier’s theories, offer profound insights into the myth-making process that shaped early Christianity. Rather than being straightforward historical accounts, the Gospel narratives can be seen as the culmination of a theological tradition that began with Paul’s visionary experiences and scriptural interpretations.

Establishing a unified Christian identity

Paul’s efforts to unify diverse communities under a common faith were crucial to the formation of early Christianity. His epistles provided a doctrinal foundation that helped disparate groups coalesce into a more cohesive movement. Carrier’s interpretation suggests that this unification was achieved not through historical memory but through the construction of a compelling mythological narrative centered on a cosmic Christ.

A shift from vision to history

Carrier posits that the transition from Paul’s celestial Christ to the Gospel’s historical Jesus was a deliberate process aimed at solidifying the Christian message. By placing Jesus in a historical context, early Christian leaders could enhance the credibility of their faith and establish a tangible connection to the divine. This historicization also served to marginalize rival interpretations and sects by asserting an authoritative narrative grounded in apostolic witness.

Conclusion

Paul’s epistles were profoundly intentional, reflecting his strategic efforts to define, unify, and expand the Christian movement. Richard Carrier’s theories highlight how these letters laid the theological groundwork for a mythological understanding of Jesus that would later be adapted into historical narratives by the Gospel writers. Paul’s emphasis on revelation, scripture, and eschatology shaped the core tenets of early Christianity, making his writings a critical link in the transition from mystical faith to institutional religion.

In light of Carrier’s analysis, Paul emerges not merely as a missionary or theologian but as a myth-maker whose visionary experiences and doctrinal innovations were instrumental in crafting the narrative foundation of Christianity. This perspective invites a re-evaluation of Paul’s role in early Christian history, emphasizing his influence in shaping a faith that would ultimately transform the religious landscape of the ancient world.

References and further reading

• Richard Carrier, On the historicity of Jesus – Why we might have reason for doubt, 2014, Sheffield Phoenix Press, ISBN: 9781909697492
• Richar Carrier, Jesus from outer space: What the earliest Christians really believed about Christ, 2020, Pitchstone Publishing, ISBN: 978-1634311946
• Udo Schnelle, Die ersten 100 Jahre des Christentums 30-130 n. Chr. - Die Entstehungsgeschichte einer Weltreligion, 2016, UTB, ISBN: 9783825246068
• Walter Dietrich, Hans-Peter Mathys, Thomas Römer, Rudolf Smend, Die Entstehung des Alten Testaments, 2014, Verlag W. Kohlhammer, ISBN: 9783170203549
• Bart D. Ehrman, The New Testament – A historical introduction to the early Christian writings, 2000, Oxford University Press, USA, ISBN: 9780195126396
• Bruce Manning Metzger, Bart D. Ehrman, The text of the New Testament – Its transmission, corruption, and restoration, 2005, Oxford University Press, USA, ISBN: 9780195166675
• Sanders, E. P. Paul: The Apostle’s Life, Letters, and Thought. 2015, Fortress Press, ISBN: 978-0800629564
• Wright, N. T. Paul: A Biography 2020, SPCK Publishing, ISBN: 978-0281078769
• Dunn, James D. G. The Theology of Paul the Apostle. 1997, T.& T.Clark Ltd, ISBN: 978-978-0567085986
• Murphy-O’Connor, Jerome. Paul: A Critical Life 1996, Clarendon Press, ISBN: 978-0198267492
• Pagels, Elaine. The Gnostic Paul: Gnostic Exegesis of the Pauline Letters 1992, Trinity Press, ISBN: 978-1563380396