Was Saul of Tarsus an Undercover Agent for the Roman CIA?

Discussion in 'Religion' started by River Ape, Dec 7, 2017.

  1. River Ape Valued Senior Member

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    I pretend to no in depth knowledge of early Christianity, but a friend whom I have always found to have a more profound understanding of those times surprised me by informing me that he doubts that Saul’s conversion on the road to Damascus was genuine. I had not met this theory before.

    Is it indeed possible that there was a change of policy in Roman ranks, and that Saul’s instruction to persecute the Christians was countermanded? Knowing of Saul’s acting abilities, was he instructed instead to penetrate Christian ranks; to become an informer; to guide the Christians away from being a possible revolutionary threat; and to imbue a spirit of docility and self-sacrifice towards the Romans?

    Of course, there is a tradition that Saul/Paul was beheaded in Rome, though no contemporary record of such an event exists. If it took place, could it have been the result of a coup or powershift within the Roman Intelligence Service? One knows of several instances when America’s CIA has turned upon and destroyed a former agent. What do you think? Can we really be certain one way or the other?
     
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  3. Xelasnave.1947 Valued Senior Member

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    No
    Alex
     
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  5. gmilam Valued Senior Member

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    The same thought has crossed my mind a time or two. After all, Paul was trying to destroy the new religion. And most of the new testament is about him rather than Jesus. Maybe he succeeded.
     
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  7. sideshowbob Sorry, wrong number. Valued Senior Member

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    My guess is that the story is (at least) embellished. A dramatic conversion is more impressive than a thoughtful one.
     

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