What do the letters of Paul reveal about Jesus?

The letters of Paul, which are the earliest surviving Christian texts, provide reliable but limited evidence regarding the life and message of Jesus.1

Core Theological Message

Paul’s letters primarily emphasize the death and resurrection of Jesus as the central events of the Christian faith. Paul taught that:21
* Crucifixion: Jesus’ death was a redemptive act of sacrifice that provides atonement for human sin, allowing believers to escape both guilt and the power of sin.234
* Resurrection: Jesus was raised from the dead by God, signifying his status as the Son of God and guaranteeing the future resurrection of believers.23
* Salvation: Through faith and baptism, believers are united with Christ, sharing in his death and life.23
* Return: Paul expected the imminent return of Jesus from heaven to rescue believers and defeat the remaining forces of sin.21

Biographical Details

While Paul’s letters are not a biography, they contain a few specific references to Jesus’ life, including:
* The prohibition of divorce and remarriage.1
* The words spoken by Jesus at the Last Supper.1
* The prediction of the Savior’s arrival from heaven.1

Paul’s writings reveal a focus on the cosmic significance of Jesus rather than the details of his daily life.31