If one reads the 1st two chapters of Galatians with an open mind, he would see that Paul is the founder of Christianity as a Gentile religion. The disciples of Jesus were Jews and they taught the following of the Judaic law albeit with an "enlightened" perspective of forgiveness, love and mercy as taught by Jesus.
Paul clearly states that he and Barnabas were sent to the Gentiles while Peter was the apostle to the Jew. Galatians 2:7-9 ...but contrariwise, when they saw that I had been intrusted with the gospel of the uncircumcision (Gentile), even as Peter with [the gospel] of the circumcision (Jew) (for he that wrought for Peter unto the apostleship of the circumcision wrought for me also unto the Gentiles); and when they perceived the grace that was given unto me, James and Cephas and John, they who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship, that we should go unto the Gentiles, and they unto the circumcision;
Latter on Paul illustrates the conflict that he had with the disciples about applying the Judaic law to the Gentiles. Paul even differed with Barnabas who traveled extensively with him. Paul and Barnabas eventually "parted ways". Galatians 2:11-13 But when Cephas (Peter) came to Antioch, I resisted him to the face, because he stood condemned. For before that certain came from James, he ate with the Gentiles; but when they came, he drew back and separated himself, fearing them that were of the circumcision. And the rest of the Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that even Barnabas was carried away with their dissimulation.
Paul clearly states that what he preached was received by direct revelation from God after Jesus' accension - not from Jesus' disciples. We also see that those of reputation (disciples of Jesus) taught him nothing. Galatians 1:15-17 But when it was the good pleasure of God, who separated me, [even] from my mother's womb, and called me through his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles; straightway I (Paul) conferred not with flesh and blood: neither went I up to Jerusalem to them that were apostles before me: but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned unto Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas (Peter), and tarried with him fifteen days. and Galatians 2:6 But from those who were reputed to be somewhat (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth not man's person)-- they, I say, who were of repute imparted nothing to me:
There were clearly competing "gospels" during the first century and Paul resisted those other than what he preached vehemently. We see from later passages in Galatians that these other gospels must have included the need for circumcision and by extension following the Judaic law. Galatians 1:6-12 I marvel that ye are so quickly removing from him that called you in the grace of Christ unto a different gospel; which is not another [gospel] only there are some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ (as taught by Paul). But though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach unto you any gospel other than that which we preached unto you, let him be anathema (cursed by ecclesiastical authority). As we have said before, so say I now again, if any man preacheth unto you any gospel other than that which ye received, let him be anathema. For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? or am I striving to please men? if I were still pleasing men, I should not be a servant of Christ. For I make known to you, brethren, as touching the gospel which was preached by me, that it is not after man. For neither did I receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but [it came to me] through revelation of Jesus Christ.
Again, we see that the gospel that Paul preached was not taught to him by men (Jesus' disciples), but rather he claims, in this case, to have gotten it by direct revelation from Jesus after his accension to Heaven.
The "gospel" as we know it today originated with Paul as defined in I Corinthians 15:1-4 Now I make known unto you brethren, the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye received, wherein also ye stand, by which also ye are saved, if ye hold fast the word which I preached unto you, except ye believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which also I received: that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried; and that he hath been raised on the third day according to the scriptures. This "gospel" of salvation is not defined by any other than Paul.
Bookmarks