Featured Theory — the Greek “mystery religion” version of Christianity was already widespread at the time of Paul’s travels.

[Multicolored Lemur]

First Journey

So, Paul’s 1st journey was overwhelmingly in what we’d call present-day Turkey, quite a ways from Jerusalem. I conclude that the beliefs, practices, how we define various emotions, etc, etc, of what was to become mainstream Christianity— all this was already pretty far along!

I am NOT an expert in ancient history.

But if I had to guess, I say the mystery religion was already rolling 150 years before Paul’s start date of 44 AD. This would be 106 BC. Or, let’s say 100 BC for a round number.


• BC can also be called BCE, which means Before Common Era.

• AD also called CE, for Common Era

 

[Multicolored Lemur]

And remember, the letters of Paul were written before the 4 Gospels.

 

[Multicolored Lemur]

Acts of the Apostles - Paul's Second Missionary Journey

Second Journey
———

Going to Turkey [modern day], and Greece

 

[Scooter]

I conclude that the beliefs, practices, how we define various emotions, etc, etc, of what was to become mainstream Christianity— that all this was already pretty far along!

You conclude? Ok, upon what do you base your conclusion?

 

[Scooter]

• BC can also be called BCE, which means Before Common Era.

• AD also called CE, for Common Era

What makes 1BCE so different from 1CE that a totally new designation is required? And what do we today have in common with those 2025 years ago?

 

[Multicolored Lemur]

You conclude? Ok, upon what do you base your conclusion?

That Paul traveled all this distance.

Ergo, many of these beliefs had a following . . . which had already been there for a while!

 

[Multicolored Lemur]

In fairness, it’s also possible Christianity spread this fast because of how dynamic the message was.

Or . . .

Paul was going into entirely new territory, like a Christian missionary going into the Amazon 100 years ago.

 

[Multicolored Lemur]

Paul's Third Journey With Timothy | DAILY PRAYERS

Jesus' Life: Chapter 21 - Paul's Missionary Journeys The focus of Paul's first and second missionary journeys was to spread the Gospel of Jesus to Jews

www.daily-prayers.org

Third Journey

This journey covers a lot of the same territory as the 2nd.

And doesn’t visit Cyprus, unlike the 1st.

 

[Scooter]

Ergo, many of these beliefs had a following . . . which had already been there for a while!

How do you know this? What is your information source?

 

[Multicolored Lemur]

How do you know this? What is your information source?

Like most of life, my own good experience. We all do this, putting together things in a way which makes sense often with limited information.

And please notice, I don’t wish to overstate. Turkey is a midsized country, but plenty big enough when walking and animals were the main method of transportation! Alright, I’m going to flesh out my theory a little more.

Theory — Saul had a sincere experience, so much so that he changed his name to Paul. He was already a believer in a “Greek mystery religion.” And he worked to re-purpose and transform this, and of course he ran into opposition.