Christianity originated from the life, teachings, and death of Jesus of Nazareth in the 1st century CE, who is widely regarded as its founder
. Jesus was a Jewish preacher whose followers believed him to be the Messiah and the Son of God, and Christianity is fundamentally defined by faith in him, especially his death and resurrection
. While Jesus is recognized as the founder, the Apostle Paul played a crucial role in shaping Christianity as a distinct religion separate from Judaism. Paul preached to Gentiles and emphasized salvation through faith in Christ, which helped Christianity evolve from a Jewish sect into an independent faith
. Some argue Paul was a co-founder or major architect of Christian theology, but the core of Christianity remains centered on Jesus himself
. In summary:
- Jesus of Nazareth is the founder of Christianity, being the central figure whose life and resurrection the faith is based upon
- Paul the Apostle significantly influenced the development and spread of Christianity, especially among Gentiles, but did not found the religion itself
- Early Christianity began as a Jewish movement, with Jesus' disciples and leaders like Peter, James, and John playing key roles in its initial formation
Thus, Jesus is the founder of Christianity, with Paul as a pivotal figure in its early expansion and theological development.
