docphin5
Well-known member
The Golden rule was said by different sages throughout the history of humans, to include Jewish sages prior to christianity. For example,
It begs the question,
Why then is Paul so hated by Jews for abrogating the Mosaic Law to Gentiles when the school of Hillel explicitly stated that the whole Torah is nothing but interpretations of the only rule that matters, ie., “That which is hateful to you, do not do unto your fellow.”
Let’s backup because there is an interesting connection between Paul and Hillel.
For Paul was allegedly taught by the rabbi Gamiliel who was the grandson of Hillel the Elder who founded the House of Hillel in the first century BC. The House of Hillel was opposed by the rabbi Shammai who founded the House of Shammai. The former
was characterized to be more flexible with interpretations of the Mosaic Law, whereas, the latter was more legalistic.
Per wikipedia,
After Hillel’s death around 9 CE the House of Shammai took absolute control of the Sanhedrin until 30 CE. Even after Gamiliel became president in 30 CE the House of Shammai dominated the Sanhedrin until the fall of Jerusalem.
Why does any of this matter?
Because it suggests that Paul and christianity developed from the more lenient, flexible side of the Pharisees even before traditional christianity started. And it suggests that not all Pharisees opposed christianity except those likely indoctrinated by the house of Shammai.
Why then was Paul so hated by Jews? Theoretically, he was hated by the Jews who sided with the House of Shammai who dominated the Sanhedrin in the first century CE, whereas Paul was favored by the House of Hillel. Acts of the Apostles records that Gamiliel tried to protect Jewish-Christians like Paul from persecution, without success (Acts 5:34).
Simple put, not all Pharisees were bad.
Buddhism: “Whatever is disagreeable to yourself, do not do unto others” (The Buddha, Udana-Varga 5.18 – 6th century BC).
Confucianism: “Do not do to others what you do not want them to do to you” (Confucius, Analects 15.23 – 5th century BC).
Judaism, School of Hillel: That which is hateful to you, do not do unto your fellow. That is the whole Torah; the rest is the explanation; go and learn."
Paul: For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:14). “Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” (Romans 13:8)
Canonical Jesus: “And a second [commandment] is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:39)
It begs the question,
Why then is Paul so hated by Jews for abrogating the Mosaic Law to Gentiles when the school of Hillel explicitly stated that the whole Torah is nothing but interpretations of the only rule that matters, ie., “That which is hateful to you, do not do unto your fellow.”
Let’s backup because there is an interesting connection between Paul and Hillel.
For Paul was allegedly taught by the rabbi Gamiliel who was the grandson of Hillel the Elder who founded the House of Hillel in the first century BC. The House of Hillel was opposed by the rabbi Shammai who founded the House of Shammai. The former
was characterized to be more flexible with interpretations of the Mosaic Law, whereas, the latter was more legalistic.
Per wikipedia,
Hillel and Shammai were leaders of two opposing schools of thought, known as the House of Hillel and the House of Shammai. While the terms "liberal" and "conservative" may not perfectly capture the nuances of their positions, Hillel is generally considered to have been more lenient or flexible in his interpretations of Jewish law compared to Shammai. For instance, in matters such as divorce and Sabbath observance, Hillel often took a more permissive approach, emphasizing compassion and practicality. On the other hand, Shammai tended to be more stringent in his interpretations, prioritizing strict adherence to the law.
After Hillel’s death around 9 CE the House of Shammai took absolute control of the Sanhedrin until 30 CE. Even after Gamiliel became president in 30 CE the House of Shammai dominated the Sanhedrin until the fall of Jerusalem.
Why does any of this matter?
Because it suggests that Paul and christianity developed from the more lenient, flexible side of the Pharisees even before traditional christianity started. And it suggests that not all Pharisees opposed christianity except those likely indoctrinated by the house of Shammai.
Why then was Paul so hated by Jews? Theoretically, he was hated by the Jews who sided with the House of Shammai who dominated the Sanhedrin in the first century CE, whereas Paul was favored by the House of Hillel. Acts of the Apostles records that Gamiliel tried to protect Jewish-Christians like Paul from persecution, without success (Acts 5:34).
Simple put, not all Pharisees were bad.
Last edited:
