That question troubles many sincere believers.
Because on the surface—it feels like a choice.
Jesus… or Paul?
Red letters… or epistles?
But when we rightly divide the Word of truth—
we discover something beautiful:
It’s not a conflict.
It’s a distinction.
During His earthly ministry, Jesus made His audience clear:
“I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel”
— Matthew 15:24 (KJV)
He preached the Kingdom.
He confirmed the promises made unto the fathers (Romans 15:8).
He spoke to Israel—
under the Law—
with the Kingdom in view.
But then something changed.
Not in God’s character—
but in His program.
Israel rejected her Messiah.
The nation fell (Acts 7).
And God did something kept secret:
“The revelation of the mystery… kept secret since the world began”
— Romans 16:25 (KJV)
Enter the Apostle Paul.
Not as a replacement for Christ—
but as Christ’s appointed spokesman for today.
“He is a chosen vessel unto me…”
— Acts 9:15 (KJV)
“I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles”
— Romans 11:13 (KJV)
“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ”
— 1 Corinthians 11:1 (KJV)
So what does this mean for us?
It means we don’t ignore Jesus.
And we don’t confuse His earthly ministry with our doctrine.
We honor all Scripture—
but we follow God’s instructions to us.
Here’s the clarity:
• Jesus’ earthly teaching → Israel, Kingdom, Law context
• Paul’s epistles → Body of Christ, Grace, Heavenly position
Both are true.
Both are inspired.
But they are not the same program.
If we try to live under Israel’s instructions—
we will struggle.
We will mix Law and Grace.
We will lose clarity.
But when we stand in Pauline truth—
• We understand our identity in Christ
• We rest in grace—not performance
• We walk in liberty—not confusion
“For ye are not under the law, but under grace”
— Romans 6:14 (KJV)
So who do we follow?
We follow Jesus Christ… according to the revelation given to Paul.
That’s not division.
That’s obedience.
That’s right division.
Don’t choose between Jesus and Paul.
Choose to understand how Christ is speaking today.
And when you do—
the Bible opens,
grace becomes clear,
and your walk becomes steady.
One message.
One Savior.
Rightly divided.
