The great "Paul" debate... Jericho, I respect where you're coming from, but have you taken into account what Peter said about Paul's words? This is what Peter said concerning Paul: "And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction."

I understand Paul can SEEM to be contradictory to the rest of the Gospels, but once you understand God's character, it all becomes clear.

I'll give you an example of what I just said, and it's found in the wedding banquet parable. There are MANY more examples of such in scripture. God always roots for the underdog, or the prodigal son, for example, because in this way, no flesh can boast. This does not mean that He loves the eldest son any less, only that His mercy and the unfathomable riches of His grace may abound.

And were Paul to ever boast one day (not saying that he would) that he is "better" than others, he would now become the eldest son and his opposition the "underdog." It's all one cyclical, beautiful circle of life that the Creator has ordained according to His all-perfect wisdom.

Love to you, Jericho, and peace.