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Quote by Earl Doherty

“—2 Corinthians 5:18— Paul says he’s been given the ministry of reconciling man to God. Didn’t Jesus do that in his ministry? Back in chapter 3—here —Paul says that God has qualified him to be the dispenser of his new covenant, but he doesn’t have a word to say about Jesus dispensing that covenant. And then he goes on to talk about the splendor of God’s work in sending the Spirit to inspire missionaries like himself. But where is the splendor of Jesus’ life and ministry? Wasn’t his work at least as important as Paul’s? Does Paul think God placed greater importance on his work than on Jesus’ work? “I thought Paul was always talking about how humble he was.” I pointed to my next passage: 2 Corinthians 6:2. “Well, how’s this for humility? Paul quotes Isaiah: ‘In the time of my favor I heard you, in the day of salvation I helped you.’ This is supposed to be God promising salvation. But when does this promise come to fulfillment? Was it in Jesus’ life and death? No. Paul points to his own ministry and says, ‘I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.’!”

Quote by Earl Doherty

Book:The Jesus Puzzle: Did Christianity Begin with a Mythical Christ? Challenging the Existence of an Historical Jesus
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The Jesus Puzzle: Did Christianity Begin with a Mythical Christ? Challenging the Existence of an Historical Jesus

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Earl Doherty
Earl Doherty

Earl Doherty is a renowned author known for his research into ancient history and religion. Born in 1941, he is primarily recognized for his critical analyses of the origins of Christianity. more

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