Updated: July 1, 2025
Next to Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul stands as one of the most influential teachers in the New Testament. His letters shaped the early church, clarified Christian doctrine, and continue to guide believers today.
From a zealous Pharisee to a devoted follower of Christ, Paul’s transformation is a testament to the power of God’s grace. Through his Spirit-inspired writings, we see a rich tapestry of theology, practical instruction, and deep love for the church.
Yet, Paul is often misunderstood. Some even accuse him of teaching doctrines that diverge from those of the Old Testament or of inventing his own gospel. These claims couldn’t be further from the truth.
In this post, we’ll explore Paul’s background, his apostolic authority, and five major doctrines that form the bedrock of Christian belief.
Misunderstanding Paul
In a Facebook group discussion, someone once claimed that, unlike the Old Testament patriarchs who taught monotheism, Paul taught polytheism. This false statement reveals a lack of understanding of Paul’s teachings, particularly on the nature of the Triune God.
Paul’s writings do not contradict the Old Testament. In fact, he consistently affirmed the unity of God (Romans 3:30; 1 Corinthians 8:6) while also revealing the mystery of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—co-equal and co-eternal.
To appreciate Paul’s theology, we must first understand the man behind the message.
Who Was Paul?
Paul (formerly Saul) was born in Tarsus of Cilicia (Acts 22:3), a significant city in the Roman Empire known for its academic excellence. He was a Roman citizen by birth (Acts 22:28), a rare privilege that later played a crucial role in his missionary journeys and legal protection.
Raised in Jerusalem and educated under Gamaliel (Acts 22:3), Paul was a Pharisee (Philippians 3:5) and deeply zealous for Jewish law. As a young man, he persecuted Christians, believing he was serving God (Galatians 1:13).
However, everything changed on the road to Damascus. There, the risen Christ appeared to him (Acts 9:3-6), radically transforming his heart and calling him to be a witness to the Gentiles.
Paul’s Apostolic Authority
Paul wasn’t chosen by men or appointed by church leaders. His apostleship came directly from Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:1). He saw the risen Lord (1 Corinthians 9:1) and was commissioned to proclaim the gospel to Jews and Gentiles alike.
Though he considered himself “the least of the apostles” (1 Corinthians 15:9), Paul never hesitated to assert the divine origin of his message. His writings carry the weight of divine authority, even if he humbly acknowledged that some teachings were from the Lord and others from his spiritual discernment (1 Corinthians 7:10-12).
Five Major Doctrines Taught by Paul
1️⃣ Justification by Faith
Paul’s central doctrine is that we are justified—declared righteous before God—by faith, not by works.
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).
This justification is made possible through the death and resurrection of Christ. It is a judicial act where God pardons all our sins and clothes us with Christ’s righteousness (Romans 4:5; Romans 10:9-10).
Faith, Paul insists, is a gift. We don’t earn justification; we receive it by believing in Jesus Christ, trusting in His finished work on the cross (Ephesians 2:8-9).
2️⃣ Jesus Christ: The Risen Son of God
The bedrock of Paul’s message is the risen Lord Jesus.
“Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God” (Acts 9:20).
The same man who once hunted down Christians became the loudest voice declaring Jesus as the Son of God. Paul didn’t invent this message—he received it by revelation (Galatians 1:12). Still, he also acknowledged that others had passed down elements of the gospel to him (1 Corinthians 15:3-5).
To Paul, Jesus is the preeminent One through whom all things were created (Colossians 1:16), the Messiah who fulfilled the Law and Prophets.
3️⃣ The Church as the Body of Christ
Paul uniquely described the Church as the body of Christ. Each believer is a member of this body, with Christ as the head (Ephesians 1:22-23).
“For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:13).
The Church is not a building or a denomination. It is a living, spiritual organism composed of believers saved by grace through faith. As members of His body, we are called to unity, love, and service.
4️⃣ The Holy Spirit in the Believer’s Life
Paul emphasized the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering Christians to live holy lives. Unlike the Law, which exposed sin but gave no power to overcome it, the Spirit transforms us from the inside out (Romans 8:1-17).
Roles of the Holy Spirit According to Paul:
- Indwells Believers (1 Corinthians 6:19)
- Fills and Controls (Ephesians 5:18)
- Sanctifies (Romans 15:16)
- Teaches and Reminds (John 14:26)
- Imparts Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7)
- Produces Fruit (Galatians 5:22-23)
Paul calls believers to “walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25), meaning we must yield daily to the Spirit’s leading.
5️⃣ The Second Coming of Christ
Paul taught that Jesus would return in two phases: first, the Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17), and then the Second Coming (Revelation 19:11-16).
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout… and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up… to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
He comforted believers with the promise that our present suffering is temporary, but Christ’s return will usher in eternal glory (Romans 8:18).
Key Takeaways
- Paul’s teachings are deeply rooted in Scripture and inspired by divine revelation.
- The five doctrines covered—justification by faith, the deity of Christ, the Church as Christ’s body, the work of the Holy Spirit, and Christ’s second coming—are core to Christian belief.
- Paul’s transformation and message remind us that no one is beyond God’s reach.
Call to Action
Have you experienced the life-transforming truth Paul preached? If not, today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). Confess your sins, believe in the Lord Jesus, and receive the gift of eternal life.
Already a believer? Dive deeper into Paul’s epistles. Let his Spirit-inspired words shape your theology, fuel your worship, and guide your daily walk.
Share this post with a friend or fellow believer who could use encouragement or clarity on Paul’s powerful message. And don’t forget to leave a comment with your favorite Pauline verse or doctrine!
Final Thoughts
The apostle Paul, though no longer with us, still speaks powerfully through his letters. His teachings form the heart of our understanding of salvation, the church, and the Spirit-filled life.
Let us, like Paul, not be ashamed of the gospel (Romans 1:16), but boldly proclaim Christ crucified, risen, and coming again.
Grounded in faith, rooted in truth, and guided by God’s Word.
Affiliate Disclaimer
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Recommended Resource
Gain a clearer perspective on Paul’s letters with the Studies in the Pauline Epistles—essential reading for those wanting to study Paul’s theology.
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Studies in the Pauline Epistles: Essays in Honor of Douglas J. Moo
By Douglas J. Moo A collection of essays honoring the scholarly contributions of Douglas J. Moo, featuring in-depth studies on the Apostle Paul’s writings. Perfect for those seeking deeper insight into Paul’s epistles. |
Our salvation has three tenses:
1.Justification: (Past Tense)
The moment we exercised faith alone, in Christ alone, we were declared 100% innocent, and he transferred his righteousness to us, the the same as he did with Abraham. Only difference, we were indwelled by the Holy Spirit.
2. Sanctification: (Present Tense).
Through learning all we are and have in Christ, we are transformed into his image, while on earth from the moment of justification until death or the rapture. This is also done the same as justification, by faith alone in Christ alone. Colossians 2:6.
3. Glorification: (Future Tense).
We are forever transformed to all we are in Christ, we take on a glorified body that is exactly like his after he was resurrected, forever. Philippians 3:21
You’re right, William, our salvation has three phases or tenses. I have an article about this if you want to read it. Just follow the link below:
https://biblical-christianity.com/the-three-phases-of-salvation
God bless!
If we accept that Paul wrote 14 books of the New Testament (7 for sure and the rest had Paul’s influence) two things become clear: 1. Paul had a direct influence on more than half of the NT and 2. only James was written before Paul.
Paul a prime mover of Christianity?
Hi John.
Yes, we accept Paul’s authority. We acknowledge that he received a direct revelation from the Lord and he’s called the number one propagator of Christianity.
But contrary to what some skeptics claim that Paul’s doctrines are against the teachings of Christ or the original disciples, Peter and the rest of them validated Paul’s calling so as his doctrines.
God bless you!
I’m sorry, but I have to ask this question!
Do Christians just gloss over the fact, Paul taught a doctrine not taught by Jesus, and that he admitted, to being crafty, a liars, and a thief?? How can anyone justify Paul teaching, with this knowledge of who he is? I expect nothing more, than people making excuses for Paul’s teaching over Jesus!
Hi Bryer,
Thanks for your comment.
But what teachings of Paul were not taught by Jesus? Let’s not forget that the disciples of Jesus recognized Paul as one of them (Galatians 2:1-10).
And yes, Paul, who used to be Saul of Tarsus, was the number 1 persecutor of the followers of the Way.
But after his life-changing encounter with the risen Lord on the road to Damascus, he became the number one propagator of Christianity. He even died for his faith.
Apostle Paul went into Arabia to Mount Sinai. And received his revelation of God From God Himself. Paul would not have called The Light that blinded him Lord. Unless he understood the light was the same light, that appeared in the beginning to Moses.
Paul preached One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism. In Romans 14:10-12 Paul said this. Romans 14:10-12 King James Version:
10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Paul was quoting Isaiah 45:21-23 Isaiah 45:21-23 (King James Version):
21 Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the Lord? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Savior; there is none beside me.
22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.
23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
Paul said in Acts 17:3, “Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.”
Paul taught Jesus was the manifestation of the one God in flesh. Colossians 2:9 “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”
Jesus said this of Himself in Revelation 1:8 (King James Version), “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.”
Hello Charles,
Thank you for your insightful comment. Truly appreciate it.
Certainly! Paul received God’s revelation directly from God Himself.
Blessings to you!
You are really filled with this knowledge. I never knew that the Apostle Paul was from the city. And that fact about him writing so much of the new testament. I think that although many people read the Bible, their understanding is not strong enough and that is the reason for the misinterpretation.
This is a very good post. Nicely written.
Thanks Henderson,
I always try my best to read and interpret the Scriptures taking into consideration the authors’ intent in writing them. But of course, a good concordance and study Bible surely make it easier to grasp the context of the passages.
Blessings!
Wow, these are really good teachings. You see I have to agree with you that many times the preaching of Paul are misinterpreted. Maybe the reason is because he had taught so much in the Bible. It’s good that you can explicate on that.
I also have the problem in his teachings about justification by faith. Thank you for clearing things up here.
Hi John,
Considering that Paul’s letters constitute almost 1/3 of the New Testament, your theory could be right. But then again, if we look at the doctrines that he taught and expounded, we find no contradictions at all. In other words, Paul has always been consistent in all his teachings which were also confirmed by the other NT writers.
By the way, the doctrine of justification by faith is one of the most misunderstood if not the most misunderstood teachings in the Bible. But if every Bible reader would just take some time to understand it, it is actually very clear that good works do not add anything to our salvation simply because the basis of our salvation is the finished works of Christ.
Thanks for visiting John, God bless!
A very thorough and well-researched article that sets out very clearly the scriptural basis of Paul’s letters and an excellent summary of his teachings. People often write things based on what they think is written rather than what is actually written.
It’s good to read someone writing a clear and informative review based on a detailed reading and understanding of the Bible. Thank you very much.
Hi Lisa, thanks for coming by.
You’re so right about people writing information based on their personal opinions instead of facts. Kind of remind me of the mainstream media nowadays who often report unverified informations. I’m sorry I don’t mean to sound political.
Going back to the letters of apostle Paul and how modern readers are supposed to interpret them, we need to understand that those letters we find in the Bible were written to specific people at specific times and for specific reasons.
And that’s why we also need to read, understand and interpret them taking into consideration these factors. This applies as well to every book in the Bible. We need to consider the intent and purpose of the writer.
It’s just unfortunate that many Bible readers and people who label themselves as Bible-believing Christians say things that Paul did not say in his letters. It has even reached the point where people think Paul has deviated from the teachings of Jesus Christ and the other apostles.
The humility that accompanies apostle Paul is the central factor why I like him the most. Despite achieving all these and writing so many books of the Bible, he still claims to be the least of the apostles. Really his teachings are still with us till today and for more years to come.
The teaching I like most is the one in the church as a body of Christ. Really great to read on. Thank you for sharing. I will bookmark and reread it constantly.
Thanks
Yeah, I like Paul too. His contribution to Christianity is immeasurable and no matter how often people try to discredit him and accuse him of changing the major doctrines of Christianity as taught by Jesus Christ and the other apostles like Peter and John, to me he’s still one of the greatest apostles.
Paul’s transformation from being the number 1 persecutor of Christianity to the number 1 propagator of Christianity says a lot about what happens when one truly encounters the Lord Jesus personally.
Thanks for your comment, Shelley.