Part of the big debate about Paul is whether he is an actual follower of Jesus, or whether he just comes along and makes up his own religion, based on the cross, resurrection, and deity of Christ.  How much could we know about the life and teachings of Jesus if all we had was the letters of Paul? At first glance, it looks like almost nothing. However, if we take a closer look, we can see that Paul is echoing Jesus quite a bit. Here are some examples:

• Romans 12:14 – “Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse.” (Matthew 5:44)
• Romans 12:17 – “Recompense no one evil for evil.” + 1 Thessalonians 5:15 – “See that no one render evil for evil to anyone.” (Matthew 5:39-42)
• Romans 12:21 – “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
• Romans 13:7 – “Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due, revenue to whom revenue is due, fear to whom fear is due, honor to whom honor is due.” (Mark 12:13-17 and parallels)
• Romans 13:8-10 – “Owe no one anything, except to love one another, for whoever loves has fulfilled the law. For the (commandments)…are summed up in this saying: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” (Mark 12:28-34 and parallels)

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