01 January 2003             
APrayer 
of Jesus  
I thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yea, Father, for such was thy gracious will

 
YOUR QUESTION

    4. Why has God allowed adulation of Paul for 2000 years? 
In response to your question, I do have some thoughts as to why the Father has allowed this adulation of Paul for these 2000 years.  I think the best way to present this is to put the Parable of the Weeds (Tares) before us:

Matt.13


[24The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field;
[
25] but while men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away.
[
26] So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also.
[
27] And the servants of the householder came and said to him, `Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then has it weeds?'
[
28] He said to them, `An enemy has done this.' The servants said to him, `Then do you want us to go and gather them?'
[
29] But he said, `No; lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them.
[
30] Let both grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.

This parable is also a prophecy, that comprehends not only Paul but every false apostle who sows bad seed in the world.  He allows both to grow together lest, in uprooting the weeds, he uproot the wheat also.  Jesus knew Paul would come with his weeds.  He did everything he could to forewarn us so that we be not deceived, by uttering such words as these:

Mark.13

[22] False Christs and false prophets will arise and show signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect.
[
23] But take heed; I have told you all things beforehand.

Paul was never needed -- Jesus foretold everything.  According to Jesus, signs and wonders are the marks of a false prophet.   It is almost amusing to perceive how Paul walked boldly into this bright light without intending to do so, thus exposing himself for what he is:

2Cor.12

[12] The signs of a true apostle were performed among you in all patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works.
Do you see?  What Jesus designated as marks of a false prophet, Paul designated the marks of a true apostle!  Paul did not deliberately set out to destroy the gospel by deceiving the world as to the person of Jesus.  Perhaps he was self deceived, but I think of him as one who could work so hard only because he thought himself to be the genuine article.  I suppose that is merely academic in so far as we are concerned.  He was a deceiver, that is for sure!

Besides this, the Father has, through Jesus,  put the choice before us, the Great Principle, and he cannot intervene without compromising our freedom.  That doesn't mean that he has abandoned us, no, never!

Matt.28

[20]  I am with you always, to the close of the age.
How does this work, you may ask?

John.14

[23] Jesus answered him, If a man loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
This is the mysticism of the Logos.  His word, in us, brings him to life within us so that we know him and we have fellowship with him, with the Father, and with each other.   Paul never fathomed this and so he gave little attention to the Word of Jesus.  

The Father allows the Pauline deception to continue and even to flourish.  It is a case of the weeds growing along with the wheat.  According to Jesus, rooting up the weeds would also uproot the wheat, therefore all remain. 
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