Why should we trust Paul if he never met Jesus during His ministry?
Paul's authority is rooted in a direct, post-resurrection encounter with Jesus, establishing his unique mission, especially to the Gentiles. This teaching clarifies that after humanity's rejection prevented Jesus' full physical salvation, Paul's work became a providentially necessary adaptation to expand Jesus' spiritual influence globally. His mission was crucial for establishing the new chosen people, foundational Christian doctrines, and preparing the spiritual environment for the Second Coming of Christ.
Paul, originally Saul of Tarsus, was radically transformed from a persecutor of Christians (Philippians 3:5: "a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee") into a zealous apostle through a direct encounter with the resurrected Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-5: "As he neared Damascus... suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell... and heard a voice say... 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting'"). This was no ordinary vision, but a profound, personal commissioning, establishing his authority directly from Jesus, distinct from that of the Twelve Apostles. Paul explicitly states the divine origin of his gospel: "I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ" (Galatians 1:11-12).
His apostolic standing was subsequently recognized by the Jerusalem apostles, including Peter, James, and John (Galatians 2:9: "James, Cephas [Peter] and John... gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me"). This affirmation validated his unique mission, particularly to the Gentiles (Romans 11:13: "I am talking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I take pride in my ministry"). Paul’s prolific epistles comprise a significant portion of the New Testament, laying foundational Christian doctrines such as justification by faith (Romans 3:28: "For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law") and salvation by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith... not by works, so that no one can boast"). His work was essential in defining the Church as the body of Christ (Colossians 1:24).
Divine Principle’s Clarification: God’s Providential Adaptation
The Divine Principle explains that God's providence of restoration aims to establish the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. Jesus' original mission was to achieve both spiritual and physical salvation, establishing this Kingdom through His life and perfect family, becoming True Parents to humanity (John 3:5-6). However, humanity's disbelief and ultimate rejection, leading to His crucifixion, curtailed this mission, allowing Jesus to achieve only spiritual salvation. This spiritual salvation redeems humanity, but does not entirely free us from original sin or completely restore us, as Paul himself lamented (Romans 7:25) and John attested (1 John 1:8-10). The position of True Mother, intended for Jesus' bride, was instead fulfilled by the Holy Spirit, who works with Jesus as the True Father to give new life to believers (Revelation 21:2, 9).
In light of this altered providential course, Paul's mission became critically important. The chosen people, the first Israel, lost their qualification to receive the Messiah by rejecting Jesus (Matthew 21:33-46). This led to salvation coming to the Gentiles, making Israel jealous (Romans 11:11). Paul was uniquely qualified by his profound intellect, deep understanding of Jewish law, and direct, post-resurrection revelation to interpret and systematize the spiritual significance of Jesus' sacrifice for a global audience. His role was to clarify the New Covenant and the atoning power of Christ for Gentiles, transcending the rigid confines of Judaism. The Divine Principle emphasizes that Paul's work was a providential necessity, adapting to the reality of Jesus' spiritual triumph alone. His mission was to interpret and expand Jesus' spiritual influence globally, laying the foundation for a universal faith following the tragic failure to establish physical salvation through Jesus’ earthly family.
Establishing the Foundation for Future Providence
Paul's work was integral to preparing for the future providence of restoration and the Second Coming of Christ. By articulating redemption through faith and the spiritual nature of Christ's kingdom, he established the framework for the extended New Testament Age. His missionary journeys and theological depth fostered a global Christian culture, which, despite its spiritual limitations, became the bedrock for humanity's eventual reception of the Second Coming. Without his tireless efforts, Christianity might have remained a minor, localized sect, hindering the development of a global spiritual foundation.
Paul ensured that Jesus’ spiritual salvation had a tangible historical impact, forming a spiritual preparation for the Lord of the Second Advent, who would complete both spiritual and physical salvation. The Christian civilization he helped build served as a "spiritual ark," fostering universal values and preparing humanity for the full revelation of God's truth. This foundation also prepared a new chosen people—the Christians—who, inheriting the faith of Abraham, would accept Christ at the Second Advent (Romans 11:11). The New Testament Age laid the groundwork for the Lord of the Second Advent to appear from a country in the East (Revelation 7:2-4), bringing a new era.
Living the Principle
Paul’s journey offers profound insights for our spiritual lives and understanding of God's providence:
1. Embrace God's Adaptive Providence: Recognize that God works through unexpected paths. When initial plans change, seek new ways God may be guiding you, understanding His heart's desire to fulfill His will. 2. Discern Authority Beyond Proximity: True spiritual authority comes from a direct commission, divine truth, and manifested spiritual fruit, not solely historical lineage or personal acquaintance. John the Baptist was a prominent figure, but Jesus was the Messiah. 3. Live as a Global Disciple: Contribute to building a better world by embodying universal values in your sphere, transcending cultural and personal boundaries, as Paul did by extending salvation to Gentiles. 4. Seek Direct Revelation: Cultivate a personal relationship with the Divine, open to inspiration that can guide your unique mission, understanding that God speaks to those who earnestly seek Him.
These answers explain the Bible in the light of the Divine Principle, the teachings of Reverend Sun Myung Moon. Read about the author, Sun Myung Moon.
Last reviewed:
Sources and further reading
- The Holy Bible, King James Version — Scripture quoted and referenced throughout the answers.
- The Divine Principle (full text) — The complete text of the Divine Principle, the teaching of Reverend Sun Myung Moon that these answers explain.
- Unification texts library (tparents.org) — Large online library of Unification texts, sermons and collected speeches, including the Cheon Seong Gyeong.
- Short video lectures in English — Playlist of short English video lectures presenting these same principles.