Tompson Makahamadze

Is Paul a Rival or an Advocate of Jesus?: a Critical Exposition of the Relationship Between Jesus and Paul Tompson Makahamadze

This work examines the relationship between Jesus and Paul. It critically explores the physical connection and the material relationship between the two New Testament gurus. A thorough analysis of biblical texts and scholarly opinions indicates that although the historical Jesus was important for Paul, the two never met during their life time. A further investigation of New Testament sources reveals that the proclamation of Jesus and Paul had a lot in common, yet differences also exist. Through exegesis and comparative approach, this work analyzes the similarities and differences between their teachings. The work attributes the similarities between Jesus and Paul to the common tradition that they shared: the Jewish and Old Testament background and to Paul's use of the New Testament tradition. It accounts for the differences by suggesting that Paul was influenced by the Hellenistic environment in addition to his Jewish background. In the main, the book holds that the relationship between Jesus and Paul is that of continuity rather than discontinuity.