Business Post Contributor
By Nneka Okumazie
Assuming Apostle Paul didn’t get converted, and for some reason could not continue to directly attack the church, he would have become the biggest conspiracy theorists against Christianity, more than those of his time, combined.
He had a reputable profile and was very knowledgeable, articulate and had worldly wisdom. He would not just have been influential around Israel but may work his way to become Governor’s official, or possibly earn a Senate seat in Rome.
When they were stoning an Apostle, clothes were kept at Saul’s feet, whether it was by chance or cunning, but didn’t want to cast one, is unknown, but he seemed circumspect in his consented hate.
Flavius Josephus who wrote conspiracy theories about Christ, Christianity was not as smart as Saul, let alone when he was called Paul.
Flavius wrote stuff, expecting that his own story, not corroborated would become the accepted events.
He forgot that the New Testament involved so many people, writers, witnesses, participants that it would be inconceivable to pull off that kind of deceit to the Jewish people.
Though at different points, Israel was occupied in centuries before Christ, the Jews stuck to the faith and would not give it up, regardless of the persecution.
This foundation was also useful as some became Christians, enduring until the end.
Debates on the resurrection of Jesus continue with many still doubtful, but the word of God is settled in heaven.
[Matthew 28:11, Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.]
[Matthew 28:12, And when they were assembled with the elders and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,]
[Matthew 28:15, So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.]
There were lots of parables by Christ talking about the owner, or a leader, or someone with total authority.
He talked about others in the parable, and a facility – seed, oil, wages, distance, time, etc.
He talked – in some, about the owner giving freedom, but in the end, the decision, or judgment of the authority prevailed.
There are conspiracies about the lost tomb of Jesus, using all kinds of believable shenanigans but how did James the brother of Jesus believe and wrote a Book in the New Testament, based on the resurrection of Christ?
How come Jesus gave His people nothing physical to gain, yet were willing to die, in spite of hostility in the initial centuries of grim persecution?
If Jesus did not rise and was a cover-up, how was the evangelism of the Apostles bold without fear that people will find out they’re hiding something or how can there not be one dissident among his family, disciples or those involved in a way it was known?
The same way people lie that Christ married Mary Magdalene. How could that have been hidden, if it was true?
Considering what Christ said of people:
[Matthew 19:12, For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the Kingdom of Heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.]
And Apostle Paul
[1 Corinthians 7:7, For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.]
That Christ came to save the world, not just Israel, would Christ then start a family for what, a special family?
[Matthew 12:50, For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is My brother, and sister, and mother.]
The Lost Books or Gnostic Texts were written centuries after Christ.
Assuming someone like Saint Augustine of Hippo wasn’t converted to Christ, was it not possible he could have used his knowledge, or positions or charm offensive to start a religion, or write conspiracies and fake references or pay collaborators to accept?
The devil knew it would fail, but tempted Jesus. The devil spoke through Peter, was rebuked by Christ, then the enemy spoke through so many others antagonizing Jesus.
Judas had the conviction that he needed the money, but regretted after the false conviction left.
Christ kept talking about mercy, but it is a choice.
[Matthew 9:13, But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.]
