Christianity is among the biggest religions in the world. People are often confused about the origin and the founder of Christianity, especially because some people think it is Paul while others suggest it is Jesus. So, who is the founder of Christianity?
Jesus Christ is believed to be the founder of Christianity and started it in Judea, as recorded in Matthew 4:1-17. Christianity began with the ministry of Jesus, a theological background that people like Paul used to influence conversion. Christians rely upon the guidance of Jesus’s ministry and the Bible as a whole to practice Christianity.
So which town did Christianity originate? When did Christianity start? Does Christianity come from the ministry of Jesus or after he had ascended to heaven? Why do some people believe that Paul is the founder of Christianity? What are the characteristics of a Christian? What does the Bible teach about Christianity and the Kingdom of God? Read on to find out.
Which Town Did Christianity Originate?
It is believed that Christianity started in Judea and spread throughout the Roman Empire. Jesus was the founder of Christianity, even though it was not an organized group. His teachings and ministry form a theological background of knowledge that His disciples used to spread the gospel from Judea to the world.
When Did Christianity Start?
Christianity started in the mid of the first Century CE. This was when Jesus was administering His ministry on earth, as recorded in Luke 3:23. The disciples carried on from mid of the first century spreading the gospel to turn people to Christianity. Even during the fall of the Roman Empire, Christianity still spread during this time. At this time, Christians were trying to figure out Christianity and become organized. In 380 CE, Nicene Christianity became an official religion in Rome.
Does Christianity Come From The Ministry Of Jesus Or After He Had Ascended To Heaven?
It is suggested that Christianity came from the ministry of Jesus Christ. The Ascension only led to the growth of Christianity and made it more organized. Fifty days after His Ascension, the Holy Spirit helped the disciples. Around that period, when Apostle Peter preached and converted more Christians around 5000.
Acts 4:4 “But many who heard the message believed; and the number grew to about five thousand.” It implies that the Ascension led to more converts, but the ministry of Christ marked the start of Christianity.
Why Do Some People Believe That Paul Is The Founder Of Christianity?
Some people believe that Paul was the founder of Christianity and not Jesus because they say that Paul addressed more difficult subjects of salvation. Also, it is because Paul spread the gospel quoting from Christ and tackled topics of similarity to those that Jesus did. Paul viewed justification the same way Christ did.
In his letter, Paul preached that faith leads to salvation. Also, Jesus preached before Paul that faith is essential for salvation. For example, Luke 7:50 says, “But Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Therefore, the fact that Jesus had preached faith earlier implies that Paul got his theological knowledge from Christ and preached the same at great lengths. The theological knowledge about the law, views about gentiles, women, and discipleship came from Christ to Paul. Consequently, it cannot be said that he was a founder but an influencer.
What Are The Characteristics Of A Christian?
Christians are peaceful and merciful.
According to James 3:17, it is written that “But the wisdom from above is pure first of all; it is also peaceful, gentle, and friendly; it is full of compassion and produces a harvest of good deeds; it is free from prejudice and hypocrisy.” This implies that Christians should strive to lead wise lives by avoiding too much ranting about everything in the culture.
Christians should be mature and live in love.
The book of 1st John 4:20 says, ” If we say we love God but hate others, we are liars. For we cannot love God, whom we have not seen, if we do not love others, whom we have seen.” Living in harmony and love for each other shows that Christians are mature in their faith.
Christians should live for the Glory of God.
According to John 3:30, “He must become more important while I become less important.” It implies that everything that happens and how Christians live should be for the glory of God.
Christians should be friendly to sinners.
Having such a friendly attitude toward sinners exemplifies Jesus’ life which was more defined by his interaction and positive attitude toward sinners. In this sense, they will spread the gospel, God’s love, and mercy to non-believers. Matthew 11:19 says, “When the Son of Man came, he ate and drank, and everyone said, ‘Look at this man! He is a glutton and wine drinker, a friend of tax collectors and other outcasts!’ God’s wisdom, however, is shown to be true by its results.”
Christians should be enduring.
Acts 4:22 says, “They strengthened the believers and encouraged them to remain true to the faith. “We must pass through many troubles to enter the Kingdom of God,” they taught.” This verse implies that enduring suffering for the sake of faith and salvation is necessary for Christians.
What Does The Bible Teach About Christianity And The Kingdom Of God?
Significant Bible Verses about the Kingdom of God.
Several Bible verses in the Bible talk about the Kingdom of God. In the book of Mark 1:15, it is written that “and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” It calls for Christians to repent and believe in getting to the Kingdom of God.
Luke 17:20 “Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed,”
1st Corinthian 15:50 “I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.”
Romans 14:17 “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,”
Acts 28:31 “Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him” This scripture suggests that the Kingdom of God is similar to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Generally, the phrase “Kingdom of God” implies God’s sovereignty and rule over the whole universe. Scriptures undoubtedly imply that God is the King of His Kingdom. Psalms 103:19 says, “The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his Kingdom rules over all.
It implies that there is no Kingdom compared to God’s Kingdom, and He is King whose Kingdom reigns over other Kingdoms.
The Kingdom of God is Eternal
Also, God’s Kingdom is eternal because it is written in the book of Daniel 4:3 that “How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! His Kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.”
Spiritual Kingdom
The Kingdom of God also refers to the rule of God over the souls and hearts of human beings and his creations. Accepting his rule over oneself is accepting to be part of His Kingdom. It implies that the Kingdom of God is a spiritual Kingdom. It is written in John 18:36 that Jesus said, “My Kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my Kingdom is from another place.
Also, the Bible implies that the Kingdom of God is amidst Christians; it cannot be seen nor touched. In Luke 17:20-21 it is written that “Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, he answered them, ‘The kingdom of god is not coming with signs to be observed; nor will they say ‘Lo, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ For behold, the Kingdom of God is in the midst of you.”
The Kingdom of God is a promise to Believers
Undeniably, humans are sinners, and our sins alienate us from God. However, God still promised Abraham that He would reestablish his Kingdom on earth. He also blessed human beings through Abraham. God also promised Abraham that He would bless him with many descendants in a nation, and God would rule them.
It implies that God’s Kingdom can be advanced through chosen individuals. Genesis 26:4 says, “I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven, and will give your descendants all these lands; and by your descendants, all the nations of the earth shall be blessed;” Therefore, the promise is that the Kingdom will have God as a ruler and blessings will follow those who share in the Kingdom of God.
The Kingdom of God has Standards set by God
Tracing life back to Moses’ time and the Exodus, God gave Moses a set of rules to set them apart from the other people in the world. The rules would help Israelites live according to His standards. Obeying the rules would help them meet His standard of holiness.
Also, they were required to act by faith and seek forgiveness through their priests. It implies that present-day Christians should be obedient, repent and live in faith to meet the standards of the Kingdom of God.
In Exodus 19:3-6 “Moses went up the mountain to meet with God. The LORD called to him from the mountain and told him to say to the Israelites, Jacob’s descendants: “You saw what I, the LORD, did to the Egyptians and how I carried you as an eagle carries her young on her wings, and brought you here to me. Now, if you obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my people. The whole earth is mine, but you will be my chosen people, dedicated to me alone, and you will serve me as priests.”
Jesus Christ Came to Establish the Kingdom of God on Earth
The birth of Jesus was a fulfillment of God’s promise to David. David’s descendant, Jesus, would sit on the throne. Also, John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus Christ to perform his ministry and preach the gospel to people. Jesus called all sinners and the people of Israel to repent, which is a requirement to meet the standards of the Kingdom of God.
Matthew 3:2 says, “and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’” Also, John the Baptist recognized and referred to Jesus as the one who took away the sins of the world. John 1:29 says, “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” Through preaching Repentance and forgiveness of sin, Christ was establishing the Kingdom of God.
Faith and Repentance are essential for believers to enter the Kingdom of God
According to Mark 1:15, faith and Repentance and necessary for anyone who wants to enter the Kingdom of God. It says, “The time has come,’ he said. ‘The Kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” John the Baptist and Jesus Christ preached that believers must have faith and a repenting nature to enter the Kingdom of God.
Also, John 3:3-5 ” Jesus answered, “I am telling you the truth: no one can see the Kingdom of God without being born again.” “How can a grown man be born again?” Nicodemus asked. “He certainly cannot enter his mother’s womb and be born a second time!” “I am telling you the truth,” replied Jesus, “that no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.” It implies that the Kingdom of God requires pursuant to encounter and embrace a spiritual rebirth that redefines the way they live—they should live in faith.
References
The First Twenty Years: What Happened to the Church immediately after Jesus Died?
Christianity in the Roman Empire
What Is the Kingdom of God? 10 Things Christians Need to Know
WAS PAUL THE FOUNDER OF CHRISTIANITY?
Nine Characteristics of a Healthy Christian Who Represents Jesus Well
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
