Paul of Tarsus - the first Christian?

Even if true, isn't it a minor distinction? Romans 5:12 tells us: Had Adam not sinned then all men that followed would not have sinned, and there would be no death. While it might be true that they're being punished for their own sin and not Adam's, it is Adam's original sin that caused them to commit the sins they're being punished for.--Percy

Before Adam's sin there was no death, and afterwards there was. Even after Jesus died for our sins there was still death. Paul is explaining that Jesus's sacrifice provides the opportunity for eternal salvation after death, not that death, the responsibility for which must be laid at the feet of Adam, is rescinded. Jesus brings forgiveness for sins and eternal salvation, not the end of original sin and death.--Percy

Oh, okay. We probably don't agree enough on anything to have a conversation about this.--Percy

I didn't want to leave you hanging, so I just stopped by to let you know that I've read and understood your posts, but I couldn't think of any response that would be on-topic. I don't want to draw the thread off-topic, but I don't want to be mysterious, either, so I'll just say that I can't figure out how to respond to claims of the correctness of any particular Biblical interpretation, not just yours, but Jar's, too. It seems Talmudic, meaning in this case a process that by infinite dissection can yield any particular conclusion you like.Maybe I'm just not suited for discussions involving Biblical exegesis. I'll creep back to my corner in the science forums.--Percy