Paul the Apostle vs. the Megiddo Mosaic: Rethinking the Divinity of Jesus

Some time ago I wrote about the Megiddo Mosaic, which was somewhat recently unearthed in Israel and has sparked a crucial debate on how we understand early Christian theological theory. Dating to 230 AD, nearly a century before the Council of Nicea, this artifact describes “Jesus Christ” as “God.” While this discovery provides evidence of early grassroots veneration of Jesus as divine, it raises profound philosophical questions: How could Jesus be regarded as “God” when foundational Christian texts, particularly those of Paul, seem to deny this notion?

Jesus as Mediator, Not God

Paul’s writings in the New Testament often isolate Jesus from "God." For instance, in 1 Timothy 2:5, he states:
"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."

This verse explicitly describes Paul’s Jesus as a human (and not divine) mediator—a bridge between humanity and God—rather than God himself. Paul’s language emphasizes Jesus’ humanity, situating him as subordinate to the divine, a view further echoed in Colossians 2:2:
“…to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ.”

Here Paul, keeping to Hellenistic Judaism (the source of his mythology), where there exists only 2 (two) main Jewish deities (God the Father and God the Logos), distinguishes between God (the Logos), God the Father, and Christ, treating them as distinct entities. These verses challenge any narrative that conflates Jesus with God, suggesting that Paul’s understanding of Jesus did not align with later Christian declarations of his divinity.

The Philosophical Dilemma of Divine Mediation

The idea of Jesus as both God and mediator presents a philosophical paradox. If Jesus is fully divine, how can he mediate between God and humanity? A mediator by definition stands apart from the parties they mediate between, necessitating a degree of separation. This duality complicates theological coherence:

1. If Jesus is God, then his role as a mediator collapses, for how can God mediate with himself?

2. If Jesus is distinct from God, then his divinity requires further justification, particularly in light of texts that portray him as subordinate to the Father.

The Pauline view seems to lean toward the latter, presenting Jesus as a human man chosen by “God” for a specific mission, not as an equal part of the divine essence.

The Megiddo Mosaic: Grassroots Theology or Pagan Influence?

The Megiddo Mosaic forces us to reconsider the origins of “Jesus' divinity.” Its proclamation of Jesus as “God” could reflect the then environment of early Christian communities, where pagan, Jewish, and Roman influences converged. Unlike Paul, who addressed theological questions within a Hellenistic Jewish framework, the creators of the mosaic might have been more influenced by the Roman tendency to deify exceptional figures, blending “Jesus” into the mold of a usable pagan deity.

This raises the question: Was the belief in Jesus’ divinity an organic evolution within Christianity, or was it a theological innovation shaped by cultural expediency?

Revisiting Early Christian Diversity

The mosaic also highlights the diversity of early Christian thought. Paul’s writings show that the early church was not monolithic. Different communities held varying beliefs about Jesus’ nature. For some, Jesus was a divinely inspired human. For others, as the Megiddo Mosaic indicates, he had already become a divine figure.

This theological diversity underscores the tension between grassroots belief and institutional dogma. The Council of Nicea sought to unify these divergent perspectives under a single creed, but the mosaic reveals that belief in Jesus as divine predated these efforts. Yet, it also forces us to ask whether this belief was consistent with the intentions of the earliest Christian leaders like Paul.

Reconciling the Contradictions

The divide between Paul’s depiction of Jesus and later declarations of his divinity invites us to reconsider the theological evolution of Christianity. Was Jesus ever meant to be seen as God, or was this a later reinterpretation of his role?

Philosophically, the idea of Jesus as God may have been a response to existential questions posed by early believers. If Jesus was merely a man, could he truly embody the transformative power attributed to him? By elevating him to divine status, early Christians might have sought to resolve this tension, creating a figure who could bridge the finite and the infinite.

The Mystery of Jesus: Man, Mediator, or Myth?

Ultimately, the Megiddo Mosaic challenges the Christian theory to confront the nature of Jesus’ identity. If even Paul—the earliest and most influential Christian theorist—did not see his Jesus as God, then how should we interpret the theological innovations that emerged after his time?

What Did Paul Really Teach? or watch below

Devotional Wellbeing: A Bible-Based Path to Fulfillment

Due to the present condition that the religious world is in, maintaining devotional wellbeing has never been more vital. But what exactly is devotional wellbeing? It’s the philosophical alignment of one’s devotional mind, body, and conscience with a sense of spiritual purpose, anchored in the wisdom of the Bible. This alignment goes beyond a simple balance; it’s an invitation to fully and meaningfully know one’s devotional experience, nurturing a deeper relationship with the Bible and with oneself. Through the Bible, we find not only ancient and relevant truths, but also a roadmap for achieving true fulfillment and clarity. Proverbs 23:19 offers timeless advice: “Guide thine heart in the way,” which reminds us of our personal role in directing our devotional life toward contentment and understanding.

Here, we’ll explore how the Bible guides us toward an experience of wellbeing that integrates the devotional mind, body, and conscience, helping us to gain insight into who we are.

The Foundations of Devotional Health

Devotional health encompasses our belief’s mind, body, and conscience, each one reflecting a unique yet interconnected aspect of our being. When in harmony, they create a sense of contentment and purpose that elevates both our personal and devotional life. According to the Bible, maintaining these elements of living experience allows us to approach life with a clarity and fortitude rooted in understanding.

The Bible presents a framework for nurturing each of these components. Proverbs 2:1-11 reveals that understanding and wisdom will guide our hearts to make right choices. By immersing ourselves in this wisdom, we come to see the Bible as a living guide, offering strength and clarity for our journey of life.

Cultivating a Healthy Devotional Mind

The mind is where thoughts, beliefs, and perceptions shape our experience and behavior. Achieving mental clarity and devotional awareness can free us from judgment, opening up to us a path to empathy. 1 Corinthians 10:29 asks, “Why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience?”—a reminder to cultivate our minds free from external judgment.

One way to nurture a healthy devotional mind is through meditative Bible reading. Proverbs 4:7 teaches, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting, get understanding.” This calls us to seek wisdom actively, not passively. Similarly, Genesis 24:63 shows Isaac in meditation, modeling the importance of setting aside time for reflecting on the impact of the Bible’s counsel.

A still mind allows us to dwell on thoughts that develop character and virtue, as Philippians 4:8 encourages us: “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just…think on these things.” By aligning our thoughts with these positive values, we open ourselves to a mindset encouraging joy, purpose, and spiritual growth.

Nurturing the Devotional Body with Philosophical Wisdom

Devotional health isn’t just a mental or spiritual pursuit; it is also about caring for the devotional body, the vessel through which we experience spirituality. The Bible’s wisdom serves as philosophical nourishment, encouraging us to make mindful choices that enhance our conversation’s wellbeing. Job 28:28 advises, “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.” By valuing this wisdom, we’re more likely to make choices that are good for our mental and spiritual health. This is why Proverbs 19:2 reminds us, “Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good…” Practical devotional wisdom, when applied, strengthens our overall wellbeing, guiding us toward healthy, wholesome living.

Growth Through through Practical Devotion

The spirit of our devotional conversation’s character needs a discipline or a belief that will cultivate personal resilience and inner strength. Do not assume this discipline or belief. Let the Bible give this discipline or belief to you. Consistently, and when necessary, reflect on the Bible’s words to nourish your devotional character. Doing so allows the devotional conversation to possess a character that is unique to it. Galatians 5:22-23 speaks to the fruits of a good devotional character: “Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.” These virtues guide our growth, allowing us to claim resilience even in challenging times.

Integrating Devotional Discipline into Daily Life

Practical devotional discipline is essential for bringing the wisdom of the Bible into our everyday routines. Creating a daily or preferably a weekly plan that includes time for meditation, reading, and reflection, ensures consistency in our path toward holistic wellbeing.

Starting small is key. Simple habits—like a few minutes of reflective reading once or twice a week, or taking a mindful walk—allow us to center ourselves. Consistency and patience are crucial. Over time, these small acts transform into a lifestyle of devotional wellbeing, guiding us to a more fulfilled and purposeful life.

Achieving devotional health

Achieving devotional health isn’t a destination; it’s a continuous journey that brings us closer to our truest self, both personal and devotional. The Bible, with its necessary wisdom, offers guidance for this journey, counseling us how to align our devotional mind, body, and conscience in harmony with its underlying purpose.

By embracing this mindful approach to devotional wellbeing, we not only enrich our lives but also unlock the transformative power of what it means to be personally well. Devotional health is a discipline and joy—a commitment to live each day with purpose, guided by the wisdom within the Bible. Start your wholehearted journey today, and allow the Bible to guide you on the path toward complete wellbeing and devotional fulfillment.

Blind Love and Unseen Faith: Rethinking Religious Tradition and True Righteousness

“They" say that love is blind. Is this true? While we may not fully comprehend the mechanisms or timing of love, we undoubtedly embrace its mystery in our lives. How is it that we see and acknowledge what we cannot understand? How do we, in matters of faith, care for what is unseen?

This question strikes at the core of religion, which often assures its followers that through adherence to laws, deeds, beliefs, and rituals, we care for the "body" of our faith, which is ultimately invisible. But does the Bible support this method of caring for our faith? Is the saying wrong, “If righteousness comes by the law, then Christ died in vain”? (Galatians 2:21)

This passage illuminates our query. By applying our faith to "righteousness," we nurture it correctly. But what is "righteousness" in this context? According to the passage, "righteousness" is equated with religious laws, rituals, policies, theories, rites, and ceremonies. Yet, the author argues that this traditional religious approach is not the true definition of righteousness.

If this form of worship and service were acceptable, then the chief apostle of the living God died for nothing. This assertion is bold. Observing our religious traditions, we find practices that the book of Galatians advises against. The author of Matthew echoes this sentiment, stating:

"I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven," Matthew 5:20.

What is the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees? They reject the commandment of God to keep their own tradition, Mark 7:9, and the prophet says, "This people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men," Isaiah 29:13. Their "righteousness" is performing traditional religious law for supposed divine favor.

This much is true: maintaining our faith through religious laws and traditions is a form of devotion the Bible does not endorse. This practice is unhealthy because it creates a false sense of devotion through routine, convincing the individual they are favored by their actions. According to the Bible, this act is misguided.

What opposes the “righteousness” of the scribes and Pharisees? What counters traditional religious thought and feeling? The scriptures advise, "Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind," Romans 12:2, and, "Concerning the work of my hands command ye me," Isaiah 45:11, and, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom," Psalm 111:10.

We nourish our spiritual body with spiritual food. The sustenance for our faith is the wisdom gained from challenging the scriptures to prove themselves. Yes, we can demand proof of the Creator's work! Yes, the living God expects us to question and engage with the scriptures! Yes, we have the right to confront the living God about our personal and devotional struggles! This is expected of us.

We argue with our siblings, spouses, associates, and friends for respect, but we shy away from questioning the living God. Does that make sense?

"Let me not argue with God," we think. "Let me either commit to ritual and silently please the “God” I'm too afraid to engage with, or abandon the act and despise the one I need to confront," we continue. Does this make sense? Instead of turning to the source of our experience, we hide within ourselves or seek solace in others' consciences. Does this make sense?

True care for our faith is demonstrated through our engagement with the living God. Though there is no physical figure to argue with, it doesn't mean it's impossible. We argue with the living God by thoughtfully, patiently, and privately wrestling with the scriptures. "Care," according to the Bible, is shown through exercising our minds on what troubles us. If we do this, it will be said of us, "The LORD hath loved him," Isaiah 48:14.