Paul and Jesus

AbstractThis article examines the relation of Jesus to his apostle Paul. It begins with a discussion of Paul’s knowledge of Jesus and his reference to Jesus in his letters, as well as the lack of explicit tradition about Jesus in Paul. It then explains how Paul’s own sense of apostolic authority as one commissioned by the risen Christ gave him the confidence to give pastoral direction without the need to footnote that direction with reference to Jesus. It also considers the sources through which Paul had access to traditions about Jesus, the centrality of the cross and resurrection in his concern with respect to the earthly Jesus, and factors indicating that Paul would have valued, needed, and sought information about Jesus. Furthermore, it highlights the role of the book of Acts as evidence about Paul’s preaching of traditions about Jesus as the Messiah.