Conflict?

Recent communication from a reader:

Dear Blog Author: I have read your entries under the label "religion" but I have yet to see one particular issue addressed. Many times, the Apostle Paul's words contradict those of Jesus Christ. How would you explain this?

Excellent question!
Let's dig into this one, shall we?


Disclaimer:
Let's start with definitions.
The Bible is the inspired Word of God.
However, at the same time, all of the Bible was written by man.
Preference should always be given to direct quotes from God the Father, and to Jesus Christ.
When an author is giving his opinion, it is not a command from God.

That said, you can tell I am not necessarily going to side with Paul. However, do not think that I intend to claim Paul is a heretic / false teacher like the folks here, here, or here. That's not the case.

Allegory
Jesus used many allegories to teach. Paul wrote many allegories himself. I will not devolve into an argument of which man was more allegorical... they both were. Therefore, one must look at the intent, and not just a particular verse, in order to determine overall meaning.

It is my assertion that Jesus' allegories and Paul's allegories were simply two ways of looking at the same thing.

Authority
Without a doubt, Jesus has the edge on authority.
Paul's authority is second. Doesn't mean it is useless. However, for the person with reading comprehension issues, or a general preference for simple summary, if you see an issue where Jesus and Paul seemingly contradict, then simply go with what Jesus said until someone with the ability to read can explain it to you further.

Please feel free to write me for an explanation. Feel free to use a pseudonym - just nothing obviously fraudulent like "Mike Turner" or such.

Explanation
In most cases where it seems Paul contradicts Jesus, one can see clearly the allegory Paul was using (if not also the allegory Jesus was using).

Example:
Matthew 23:8 - (Jesus speaking)
“But you shouldn’t be called Rabbi, because you have one teacher, and all of you are brothers and sisters."

Ephesians 4:11 - (Paul speaking)
"He gave some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers."

On the surface, it would appear as though Jesus is telling us that no man is a teacher, and Paul is saying that some men are given the gift to be teachers. That sounds contradictory. However, let's look deeper:

Jesus is using allegory here. Read the whole passage - Jesus clearly transmits the message that one man is not to be elevated above another, and that the only One to be elevated is God.  

Meanwhile, Paul's passage clearly outlines that some people were blessed with certain gifts, and other people have different gifts. 

That is certainly not a contradictory message. 


Conclusion
I could give many more examples or elaborations, but at the end of the day, follow these simple steps to understanding:

- Laws (definition of sin) were given directly by God. 
- Actions not covered by those direct God-given laws are simply not sin. 
- Suggestions from God are given through His prophets.  
- God also allowed Earthly suggestions to make their way into the Bible. This neither diminishes the validity of the suggestions, nor does it elevate them to a status such that failure to obey is a sin. 
- Anything "commanded" in an epistle by Paul, if not a direct quote of God speaking in the Old Testament, is merely a suggestion by Paul. Once you get this part straight, the Gospel becomes really clear, and Jesus' teachings are glorified and magnified even more. 
- If ever Paul's words contradict Jesus' words, go with Jesus. Learn, read, and study what exactly Paul said and why. In time, his meaning becomes crystal clear and matches the words of Jesus perfectly... from a certain point of view. 


.