A General Introduction

THE VALUE OF PAUL'S LETTER
TO THE CHURCH AT ROME

It is well-known that certain scholars have accused Paul of changing the simple gospel of Christ, which they allege is found in the Four Gospels, into another gospel. i.e. a Pauline gospel, compounded of certain elements which Christ did not at all espouse. For example, it is said that Paul's gospel is primarily forensic, relating to law, doubtless having taken this shape because Paul was a convinced Pharisee, a rabbi, and, as such, trained in matters of the law.

Certainly, Paul in Romans talks of 'my gospel' (2:16), but would not contrast that, say, with the gospel other apostles taught. He knew only one gospel, and believed that was recognized by true believers. In Galatians 1:9 he speaks sharply against anyone preaching 'a gospel contrary to that which you received'. He contends that this gospel came to him by revelation and was [is] therefore pure.