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CONGRUITIES AND INCONGRUITIES BETWEEN THE BIBLE AND THE QUR'AN |
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Paul of Tarsus was a Roman citizen, who spoke, in addition to the Aramaic and Hebrew spoken by the public, the Greek language. He knew the Romans well and the way to influence them politically. The Romans had, in addition to their own land, dominated large territories. With a view to spreading the Christianity, he was aware that he had to endear to the Roman Administration; otherwise his attempts would remain barren. He wrote a letter addressed to the Romans, providing them with the guarantee required and inviting them to embrace Christianity. This letter may be considered as an important venture in the history of Christianity.
Paul, in his letter, told the pagan Romans, told that they could be eternally saved if they lent credence to the teachings of Jesus Christ, unique Son of God, and be blessed with everlasting life. They were not supposed to abide by the Law and to get circumcised. He stated that it was God's commandment that the citizens remain faithful to the administration governing the country and duly paid their taxes.
Quotations from Paul's Letter to the Romans: « Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:» (Romans 1/3-4) « For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.»(Romans 2/25) « For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. (Romans 3/22) Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.»(Romans 3/29-30) « But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.» (Romans 6/22-23) Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. (Romans 13/1-4) For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. (Romans 13/6-7)
St. Paul's letter to the Romans had, in the long run, had its desired effect. Emperor Constantine had embraced Christianity some 250 years after the event and Christianity had become the official religion of the Roman Empire who had at the beginning persecuted the Christians.
PAUL'S STRUGGLE TO SPREAD CHRISTIANITY