Paul, the Founder of Christianity

Although many scholars have studied Paul’s theology, they have not provided satisfactory interpretation. This is because his genuine epistles were studied as they have been left in the New Testament. Rather, from a redactional point of view, Paul, the Founder of Christianity approaches Paul’s seven epistles: Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, 1 Thessalonians, and Philemon. The book reconstructs his life and uncovers the compilation of sixteen short letters into seven epistles. Accordingly, these can be divided according to the chronological order of composition. When the transformation of Paul’s theology is traced, one can see a progressive development of Christology, the death of Jesus Christ, redemption and salvation, the Law, the end of world, the spirit of God, and the church of God. As a result, it can be argued that after the Antioch incident, Paul had conflict with the apostles of Jerusalem and founded Christianity for gentiles--an argument that is presented in detail based on the evidence found in Paul’s sixteen letters.