 (This is part 2 in the 3 part Examining Paul series. If you haven’t read part 1 CLICK HERE and read that first) In Part 1 of this series, I attempted to shine a little light on what appears to be a dark dilemma coming from the letters of Paul - a choice between “law” and “grace”. What we will uncover together in Parts 2 and 3 of this series is that there is no dilemma, no either/or choice to be made. The Truth lies in understanding the necessary synergy of Torah (law) and grace, Spirit and Truth. In this, Part 2, we will see that: 1 - Paul was falsely accused in his day of breaking and teaching against Torah 2 - Paul defended himself and proved that he both kept, and taught Torah 3 - The real issue was that Paul taught Torah THROUGH the risen Messiah, Yahushua In Part 3, we will view the conclusion of the matter by recognizing that: 4 - We today falsely accuse Paul of the same crime - breaking and teaching against Torah 5 - There are verses in many English translations of Paul’s writings that seem to contradict his own testimony of keeping and teaching Torah 6 - Peter offers us the solution to understanding Paul and the other scriptures Before going on to draw any conclusions, let us examine the details of Paul’s ministry in his own words and in the words of those testifying on his behalf as well as against him. Like any proper investigation, the facts of the case must first be well established. And that is exactly what we will do by using the book of Acts as our primary witness. As we open the book in Paul’s case let us once again reiterate what has appeared to be a dark dilemma. It seems from my experience, that most Christians quote Paul’s letters to defend what they have been taught as the doctrine of grace, and the doing away of the “law”. However, I have come to see that they are not actually defending Paul, but more accurately are accusing Paul of something that many of the religious leaders of his time were “accusing” him of (claiming that he taught) as well. Paul warned the elders in Ephesus that this would happen. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the RUACH HA’QODESH (the Holy Spirit) has made you overseers, to feed the called out assembly of YAHUAH, which He has purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away Talmidiym (disciples) after them. Acts 20:28-29 Tuck that word “talmidiym”, the Hebrew word translated as “disciples”, into your back pocket. It’s an amazing word, full of meaning that will shine more light on what it truly means to follow Yahushua. We will pull it out again in part 3 of this series, and again and again in future posts on how we can become learned and stable (see 2 Peter 3:16). For now, let’s continue on in the book of Acts to discover that Paul was being falsely accused of not keeping Torah and teaching against it. He actually defends himself against these false accusations numerous times - in speech and in action. The believing elders (Yahushua’s own disciples) in Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) also defended him - telling him that people were spreading rumors about him saying that he didn’t keep or teach Torah. And the day following Pa’al (Paul) went in with us unto Ya’aqov (James); and all the elders were present. And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things YAHUAH had wrought among the other nations by his ministry. And when they heard it, they glorified YAH, and said unto him, You see, brother, how many thousands of Yahudiym (“Jews”) there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the Torah: And they are informed of you, that you teach all the Yahudiym which are among the other nations to forsake Moshe (Moses), saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs. What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that you are come. Acts 21:18-22 They then instructed him how to show these people that what they were hearing and saying about him was false. Do therefore this that we say to you: We have four men which have a vow on them; Them take, and purify yourself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and ALL MAY KNOW THAT THOSE THINGS, WHEREOF THEY WERE INFORMED CONCERNING YOU, ARE NOTHING; BUT THAT YOU YOURSELF ALSO WALK ORDERLY, AND GUARD THE TORAH. Acts 21:23-24 Paul took their advice and joined the men the next day in their purification vow in the Temple for seven days. Then some of the Yahudiym that had heard the rumors and falsely accused him of teaching against the people, the Torah, and the Temple, grabbed him, stirred up the crowd, and tried to kill him! (vs. 26-31) Gratefully, the chief captain sent soldiers and centurions to rescue Paul and figure out what was going on. When Paul made known to them that he was a citizen of Rome, the chief captain allowed him to speak to the mob that had come against him. Let’s look at the highlights of what Paul said to these people in Acts chapter 22 in his own defense: *I am… a Yehudi (a jew) - vs.3 *I am a native born Roman citizen - vs.3 *I was raised in Yerushalayim, and taught by Gamli’el - vs.3 *I was instructed according to exactness of the Torah of our fathers - vs.3 *I am ardent for Elohim (God) “as ye all are” (in other words, just like you Torah keeping Yahudiym) - vs.3 *I used to persecute THIS way (killed followers of Messiah) - vs.4 *The high priest and all the Yahudiy elders are my witnesses - vs.5 *I had an encounter on the road to Damascus with the risen Messiah, Yahushua of Natsareth - vs.6-11 *Hananyah (a dedicated Torah keeper) came to me, healed my blindness, and prophesied over me - vs.13-15 *I was immersed for the remission of sins calling on the Name of YHWH - vs.16 *I returned to Yerushalayim where I was praying in the temple - vs.17 *I was warned while in a trance that I would not be accepted by the Yahudiy believers and would be sent to the gentiles - vs.17-21 This is where he lost them. Though he recognized that the Yahudiy believers were justified for not receiving him at first because of his past deadly behavior toward the followers of the Way, when he declared that he was being sent to share the news of Messiah with the gentiles (the other nations), the crowds returned to their violent rioting. Paul, being once again rescued by the chief captain, was about to be scourged at his command in an attempt to get to the bottom of the truth - why his own people, the Yahudim, were ready to kill him. Thankfully, the beating was delayed when Paul informed the centurion of his Roman citizenship, and the next day the chief captain gave Paul his legal right to defend himself before council. He called the chief priest and all their council to appear and set Paul before them. Let’s see what Paul says to them, again in his own defense, as recorded in Acts chapter 23: *vs 1 - Paul states, I have lived in all good conscience before Elohim until this day *vs.2 & 3 - the high priest has him struck on the mouth for saying this and Paul retaliates by saying, You judge me according to Torah (affirming that his comment was regarding Torah), and command me to be smitten contrary to the Torah? (thus pointing out that Torah was broken by them, and inferring that the chief priest and elders were contradicting the Torah.) *vs.5 - Paul apologizes for reviling the high priest BECAUSE TORAH SAYS, You shall not speak evil of the ruler of your people. (Exodus 22:28) He also testifies that he didn’t know that Chananyahu was the high priest, an important detail, as only ignorant sin is forgiven according to Torah and there is no sacrifice for willful sin. (Leviticus 4 & 5, Numbers 15:22-30, Hebrews 10:26). *vs. 6 - Paul identifies himself as a Pharisee and son of a Pharisee, differentiating between the Sadducee and Pharisee doctrine of resurrection, as well as belief in angels and the spirit realm. He makes the claim that he is actually being judged because of this doctrine, and uses the opportunity to divide the crowd against themselves. Diverting the attention away from himself for a moment, he points out that this was a weighty and all-important doctrinal difference because if there is no resurrection (as the Sadducees claimed) then Messiah had not been raised from the dead, and thus the whole argument was a moot point. He clearly sides with the Pharisees on the doctrine of resurrection from the dead, and further whittles down the real reason for their anger against him. The continuing dispute and dissension develops so that over 40 of the Yahudiym vow to not to eat or drink until they’ve killed Paul. The commander, Claudius Lucius, hears of the plot and rescues Paul, a Roman citizen, by sending him to Phelix the governor with a letter, protected by soldiers. In verse 29 of Acts 23, Claudius confirms in writing to Phelix that the accusations against Paul are in regard to matters of the Torah, stating that he is in trouble with the Yahudiym because they claim he has broken the Torah and teaches against it, but that Paul himself denies these charges and claims the issue is something else all together. Paul then has an opportunity to testify before Phelix, and we read about what takes place in Acts 24: *vs.1-9 - The Yahudiym, through the orator Tertullus, accuse Paul before Phelix of being a plague; stirring up dissension among the Yahudiym; being a ringleader of the “sect” of the Natsarenes, an important distinction, as the followers of Messiah were not considered a new religion, but a sect of the Torah believing Israelites (note that the religion of modern Judaism didn’t exist at that point. It was developing and later came out of the teaching of the Pharisees). They then lie, claiming that he tried to profane the temple, though he did no such thing according to Torah, only according to their added teaching. These teachings were the burdens that were considered by Messiah to be too heavy to bear (Matthew 23:3&4). They say they wanted to try him according to Torah, but that Lucius intervened. The truth was they didn’t want to try him, they wanted to kill him, and Lucius saved his life. *vs. 10-13 - Now it’s Paul’s turn to speak and he first denies the charges by saying that he had gone to Yerushalayim to worship, and that he was in the Temple but was not disputing with anyone, nor inciting the people to riot. He makes it clear that none of the accusations brought against him could be proven.  Here’s where it gets really good! Paul makes a declaration of what he does believe and why he says the Yahudiym are really against him. But this I confess unto you, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I YAHUAH of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Torah and in the prophets. Acts 24:14 There it is! The confession from Paul’s own mouth - he believes EVERYTHING that is written in the Torah (the first 5 books - Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) and in the prophets. We could close this case right there. The dispute in Paul’s day and in ours should cease from this point on. Paul clearly states his belief in the Torah and thus dispels any misconception from his letters that he thinks the Torah is done away with, a curse, was nailed to the cross, or is a burden we are “free” from. He makes it clear that this “new” way, which those of the Yahudiym considered a heresy, isn’t new at all, but is actually a more accurate rendering of the Torah and Prophets. Paul goes on to make matters even clearer. *vs 15 - he states that his hope is in YHWH and the resurrection of the dead (both the just and unjust) which the Pharisees also believe. So this is not the problem either, as he had already identified the false doctrine of no resurrection held to by the Sadducees. *vs 16 - he again reiterates a statement that got him slapped at the command of the high priest previously, that he has a clear conscience void of any offense toward YHWH or men. In other words, he has not broken the Torah or Roman law. *vs. 17-21 - Paul explains what really happened while he was performing his purification vow in the Temple - that he caused no dissension among the multitude, who should be there testifying if he had, but that the dispute is really with only certain of the Yahudiym, those from Asia specifically. He even challenges those that are there, making accusation against him, to speak up if they have found any evil-doing in him. Though he does rightfully admit that he unknowingly cried out against the high priest (23:3-5). He then states that the real reason he is being put on trial has to do with the resurrection of the dead - but not just that he is of the Pharisees that believe in the resurrection. If that were the only issue it would be the Sadducees alone that were against him. No - the implication is that he is claiming that Yahushua is the Messiah, and that HE rose from the dead. That is what has the Pharisees all up in arms. We find out in the next few verses that Phelix has quite a bit of knowledge about “the way” that Paul is referring to, and decides that he wants to hear more detail once Lysias joins the party. He orders that Paul be given some freedom and lets his friends come and minister to his needs. Meanwhile, his curiosity seems to get the best of him. When his wife, Drusilla, who is a Yahudiy joins him, he sends for Paul so they can hear more about this belief in Messiah. This is yet another confirmation that the resurrection in question is really about the specific resurrection of Yahushua the Messiah. So Paul gets a chance to preach to Phelix and his wife, reasoning with them about righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come (vs.25) which seems to rattle Phelix quite a bit. He sends him away, actually hoping Paul will offer him money to set him free, and thus calls for him to “chat” regularly. This goes on for 2 years, until Phelix is replaced by Porcious Phestus. Phelix decides to do a favor for the Yahudiym in his departure, and leaves Paul bound. Now enter Phestus, and another opportunity for Paul’s adversaries to accuse him as well as another chance for Paul to offer his own defense. We read about it in Acts chapter 25: *vs 1-6 - another plot to kill Paul is diverted after the high priest and the chief of the Yahudiym inform Phestus of their accusations against Paul and request him to be sent to Yerushalayim. Phestus denies their request and instead tells them to go with him to Qeycaryah (Ceasarea) where Paul is, and accuse him there of any wickedness they find in him. Paul is brought before them all and once again the accusations are made and yet not able to be proven. *vs 8 - Paul again clearly nullifies the accusations saying, Neither against the Torah of the Yahudiym, neither against the Temple, nor yet against Qeycar (Caesar), have I offended anything at all. Pretty strong statement! He’s either lying or truly has nothing against the Torah. Phestus gets all political next and attempts to procure the favor of the Yahudiym by asking Paul if he is willing to go to Yerushalayim to be judged by him there, knowing that the Yahudiym will kill him along the way. Paul once again makes a very clear statement of innocence against Torah, and implicates a conspiracy between the Yahudiym and Phestus. He even goes so far as to say that if he has done something worthy of death, he will take his punishment as he deserves. Then said Pa’al, I stand at Qeycar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Yahudiym have I done no wrong, as you very well know. For if I be an offender, or have committed anything worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me until then. I appeal unto Qeycar. Acts 25:10-11 So the saga continues! But before Paul can be sent to Qeycar in Rome, he has another visitor. King Agrippa and his wife Bernice come to see Phestus and while there, Phestus tells them of Paul’s case. He covers his own tuchus well in his retelling of the events, and makes this revealing statement of what he has ascertained this attack against Paul to in fact be about. Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed: But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one YAHUSHA, which was dead, whom Pa’al affirmed to be alive. Acts 25:18-19 There it is again - the real reason Paul was accused by the Yahudiym. The issue is NOT really about Torah. Paul clearly dispelled that misleading accusation. The issue is about Messiah and Him being raised from the dead. Interestingly, we see confirmation of this focus of Paul’s message in one of his letters written to the believers in Phillipii. That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection… Philippians 3:10a It’s all about Messiah and His resurrection. To make certain of this, let’s allow Paul to continue to speak for himself as we look at Acts chapter 26. *vs 1-3 - Paul is given license by King Agrippa to speak freely, which he is very happy to do for obvious reasons, but even more so because, as Paul states, the King is an “expert in all customs and questions which are among the Yahudiym.” *vs. 4-5 - Paul asserts that he has been a strict Pharisee from his youth and that all the Yahudiym are well aware of that. *vs 6-8 - Paul then makes it clear that he is being judged for “the expectation of the promise (Messiah) made by Elohim to our fathers.” This expectation is none other than the resurrection from the dead. Since we know that the Pharisees actually hold strongly to the doctrine of the resurrection from the dead, again it is crystal clear that the specific resurrection of the Messiah, Yahushua, is really what is in question. *vs 9-18 - Paul goes on to admit his hateful and violent persecution of the believers in Yahushua before he too was convinced after being visited by the resurrected Messiah on the road to Damascus. He shares the testimony of this event and the commission given him by the risen Messiah. But rise, and stand upon your feet: for I have appeared unto you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of these things which you have seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto you; Delivering you from the people, and from the other nations, unto whom now I send you, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto YAHUAH, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance with them which are sanctified by belief that is in Me. Acts 26:16-18 This was clearly a prophetic word spoken to Paul from the very mouth of the Messiah, proclaiming the very things Paul ended up doing in his ministry and was then experiencing while being on trial. Yahushua didn’t say that Paul would turn the people from Torah, but that he would turn them from the power of Satan unto YAHUAH. This ministry of Paul’s was not to be about starting a new religion, or changing the rules of the old, but about turning people BACK TO the light, YHWH, for the forgiveness of sins AND FOR an inheritance WITH THOSE sanctified by belief in Messiah.  The Torah is referred to as light in the Scriptures (Proverbs 6:23, Psalm 119:105) and the inheritance spoken of was always for the people of Yashar’el (Israel), whom the nations could be grafted into if they also chose to walk in Torah (Exodus 12:48&49, Leviticus 19:34, 24:22). He is turning them back to THE WAY, not creating a new way. And Yahushua the Messiah IS the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). He is the Word, the Torah, made flesh (John 1:1). This is the gospel message. This is what Yahushua lived and taught, and this is the message that Paul preached and was being persecuted for.
Paul goes on to tell King Agrippa that he was obedient to this vision and went about in Damascus, at Yerushalayim, throughout all the coast of Yahud and to the other nations with this message: that they should repent and turn to YHWH, their works and actions coming in line with the repentance of their heart. (vs.19-20) He then says, For these causes the Yahudiym caught me in the Temple, and went about to kill me. (vs.21) He then confirms, yet again, that he preached only in line with the Torah and the prophets. Having therefore obtained help of YAHUAH, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moshe did say should come: That MASHIACH should suffer, and that He should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should show light unto the people, and to the other nations. Acts 26:22-23 Isn’t it becoming so clear?! Paul was preaching Torah and proclaiming turning back to the Way by repenting and believing in Mashiach. And he was offering this same road of repentance to the other nations so that they could be grafted into Yashar’el (the Covenant people of YHWH, not a nationality) and to the promised inheritance. It wasn’t that he was not preaching Torah, as he was accused of, but that he was preaching Torah THROUGH Messiah, TO the other nations. That’s what caused the intense jealously and hatred. The Pharisees wanted to make converts through themselves, not through this “so called” Messiah. They wanted to call the shots and set the rules so they could stay in charge. Paul, having been a Pharisee, came out from among them, offering freely through Messiah all that the Pharisees were holding back from and making difficult for the Yahudiym, and impossible for the other nations. So are those who currently use Paul’s letters to speak against Torah actually accusing Paul of the same thing the Pharisees accused him of - breaking the Torah? And if that is the case, are these accusers actually more like the Pharisees than they are like Paul? Is this a willful act of power and control, much like the acts of the Pharisees, or is it part of the grand deception perpetuated by the deceiver himself, the accuser of the brethren, ha’satan (Satan)? Before we fully answer that question, let us go just a bit further on in the book of Acts to make absolutely sure that we’ve got the whole picture and have left no stone unturned, or wrongly thrown. After Paul’s detailed defense, Phestos sort of “freaks out” for a minute - apparently embarrassed in front of Agrippa and Bernice by the rant of this man Paul whom he has set before them. He accuses Paul of being so educated that he’s lost his mind! But Paul assures him he is not only sane, but speaks words of truth and soberness freely. This is because King Agrippa knows these things and is well versed in the doctrine of which he speaks, and is aware of the political and religious volleying that has been taking place. (vs. 24-26) Then Paul turns his attention directly to King Agrippa and puts him on the spot, so to speak. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe. Then Agrippa said unto Pa’al, You almost persuade me to be a Netseriy. (to believe in Messiah) And Pa’al said, I pray, that not only you, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds. Acts 26:27-29 Clearly, Paul’s desire was that all people would come to put their faith in Messiah. That was his first and predominant message, as well as his bottom line. He had lived in his past as a Pharisee, knowing the Torah but elevating the traditions of the elders above it. He had changed his ways, walking now as a follower of Messiah, according to the Way that Yahushua taught Torah, and counting all else a loss except knowing His Savior. He states his stance once again for the king and the crowds to hear, loud and clear: I wish you were all followers of Messiah. In essence, that would set everything else straight. After this hearing was concluded and Phestus, Agrippa, and Bernice talked with one another, they were convinced that Paul had not broken the Torah or the laws of the land, and could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar. It was truly all about Messiah. This man does nothing worthy of death or of bonds. Acts 26:31b However, Paul had appealed to Caesar, so it’s on to Rome for Paul! After a very adventurous and nearly deadly sailing journey, Paul arrives in Rome and calls the chief of the Yahudiym together, apparently attempting to settle things with them and once again set the record straight. He reasserts his innocence in regard to breaking Torah, as we can read about in Acts chapter 28. *I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers. - vs. 17 *I was found to have no cause for death (did not blaspheme Torah) - vs.18 *I have nothing against my nation (I am in agreement with those of Yashar’el regarding Torah) - vs.19 *The real reason I’m bound is because of the Hope of Yashar’el (the Messiah) - vs.20 After clearly asserting his innocence, these leaders of the Yahudiym confirm that they have neither received any letters out of Yahud (Judah) nor had they heard or seen any evidence of harm by Paul from any of the brethren. The matter regarding the Torah was settled. For Paul and for the leaders of the Yahudiym, this case was closed, in the records, sealed and done. They weren’t questioning his belief in or practice of Torah anymore, yet one other question remained for them. Not about Torah, but about Messiah. But we desire to hear of you, what you think: for as concerning this sect, we know that everywhere it is spoken against. Acts 28:22 They wanted Paul’s opinion on what they called “this sect” of Torah believers. They must have been pretty convinced that he was on the up and up with the Torah. They wanted to know what he thought about the claim that Yahushua was the Messiah and about how His followers were living their lives. So they appointed a day and many came to hear what Paul had to say. (Paul) expounded and testified the Kingdom of YAHUAH, persuading them concerning YAHUSHA, both out of the Torah of Moshe, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. Acts 28:23 WOW!!! There is the final nail in the coffin. Paul used the Torah and the prophets to both preach the Kingdom of YHWH and to persuade them that Yahushua was the Messiah! Some believed, and some did not. Isn’t that amazing? Paul’s teaching was clear and convincing, and yet only some were able to hear and believe. He goes on to quote Isaiah 6:9-10 about those that hear but don’t understand and see yet do not perceive, the same scriptures Yahushua Himself quoted regarding those who didn’t believe his teaching about the Kingdom of YHWH. (Matthew 13:1-15) Then he makes this powerful announcement: Be it known therefore unto you, that the yeshua (salvation) of YAHUAH is sent unto the other nations, and that they will hear it. Acts 28:28 The last time Paul made that exact same statement, that the Torah was being sent to the other nations, the leaders of the Yahudiym wanted to kill him! (Acts 22:21-22) But this time we read that they simply departed and “had great reasoning among themselves.” (Acts 28:29) In fact, Paul lived there for 2 whole years in his own home and received guests at liberty. No one was stopping him from preaching the news of the Kingdom and of Messiah anymore! The matter was settled. Preaching the Kingdom of YAHUAH, and teaching those things which concern the ADONAI YAHUSHA HA’MASHIACH, with all confidence, no man forbidding him. Acts 28:31 Why was no man forbidding him any longer? Because the accusation that he was breaking the Torah and teaching others to do so had been proven false. With an understanding of Hebrew language and thought, we can see that Paul was preaching the Torah. “The Kingdom of YHWH” or “The Reign of YHWH” is all about Torah. That’s what Messiah himself taught and what Paul, the follower of Yahushua taught as well. We are to live the Kingdom Way (Torah) in light of the Messiah, and according to how Messiah taught the Torah. That’s what it meant to be a disciple (a talmudiym - there’s that word!) of someone. You would learn Torah the WAY that they understood, taught, and lived Torah. The leaders of the Yahudiym left Paul alone from that point on. They now understood that He was teaching Torah, just from the perspective that Yahushua Himself taught it and with the belief that Yahushua was indeed the promised Messiah. Are we ready to “leave Paul alone” as well? Can we stop accusing him of the crimes of breaking Torah and teaching others to do the same? Is it possible that we’ve held to this false accusation to justify our own disobedience, instead of truly learning how Yahushua, His disciples, and Paul himself walked in obedience to Torah? Hopefully it appears as clear to you as it does to me from our in-depth look into the book of Acts, that Paul was not a Torah breaker, and that he did not in fact teach that the Torah was done away with. Then what did Paul teach and why do his letters sometimes seem to be teaching what we have just seen so clearly disproven from Paul’s own mouth? In Part 3 (coming soon) we will examine some of the possible reasons for this apparent contradiction, and will turn to our brother Kepha (Peter) for his advice on how to better understand Paul’s letters and the rest of Scripture. Until then, here’s a little teaser. If Peter states that the problem with understanding these difficult letters of Paul, as he claims they are, has to do with being “unlearned” and “unstable”, would it not stand to reason that becoming both “learned” and “stable” would greatly help resolve the problem? The key will be truly understanding what it means to be learned and stable. And that’s where we’re headed! So glad to be with you on this journey as true worshippers of YHWH and His Son, Yahushua ha’Mashiach! |
