Reviews of Jesus Words Only
Below are reviews from (1) Emails; (2) Professional Reviews; (3) Online Reviews (viz. Amazon, review sites); and (4) Bloggers. In each category, the posts appear in descending order, with the latest post coming first. These letters and reviews demonstrate the message of JWO has touched sincere Christians to make their life and doctrine Christ-centered while abiding in a love and tolerance toward Paulinists.
Emails
I love your site and truly appreciate the content. (Susanne July 27, 2010).
Jeff says, "Jesus' Words Only - LOVE IT. (Jeff W. July 26, 2010).
I am overjoyed to discover this website. I'll be sure to buy your book and read what i can. Also, is there a "red letter only" Bible in print? I'd love to read ONLY what Jesus said! (Philip July 22, 2010).
I've finished JWO. I think on the whole the book is tremendous and I will recommend it to as many as will listen. I know of another man who is undergoing a reformation in his beliefs, due to the info you provided on Paul. Thank you. Finding your book on JWO was an answer to prayer. (Todd, July 21, 2010).
I've gone to church several times feeling that the word that is preached, is Paul's, not Jesus.... I'm glad there's more people like you on this earth. Preach Jesus' Word! (Sakhile July 15, 2010)
What an eye opener, I have been questioning Paul for sometime and always end up getting into heated disscussions with the followers of Paul who call themselves Christians. (Robin July 3, 2010).
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing and the glory of kings to investigate a thing. Your work is tremendous and has answered so many questions for me. (Mari June 7, 2010.)
I was not familiar with the website link you had shared- www.jesuswordsonly.com. I enjoyed reading it especially since it takes the “Paulianity” and the “Churchianity” out of the equation. It was a ‘TRUE” breath of fresh air indeed! Thank you my friend for pointing me in the right direction! (Cristano, May 24, 2010.)
Dear Doug. Your books are very clear. I read them and I find you are true. I agree with you. (Pastor N. from Rwanda E. Africa (May 20, 2010).
I've got to tell you, you're the first person to bring the Benjamite issue to my attention and I'm digging a little deeper into the matter. So far my opinion of the work is very high....It has been a very frustrating struggle to break through the Pauline Doctrine [of the church my wife and I attend.] I am very appreciative of the approach with which you address the subject. ...My wife and I first approached the subject by attempting to see how we failed to understand Paul. There are points of translation [for example]....There are other such examples, but we ultimately found that even seeking to understand Paul led us to disagree with his doctrine. I am greatly encouraged to see advocacy for reading Scripture oneself, rather than adhering to accepted tenets and doctrines which may conflict with the message that is plain for all. (Kevin G. May 14, 2010.)
So far I am enjoying the material immensely [.e., How Not To Study the Bible which addresses Paul in ch. 7.] (Kevin G. May 12, 2010.)
With this knowledge I hope that all may see the light! May Yahweh and his son our savior Yahushua bless you for your attempt to spread the truth. (Pastor M. May 9, 2010.)
I have bought and read your book about halfway: I want to thank you for shining the light on all the heresies within Christianity, Any serious Bible student will come accross church doctrines that clearly contradicts the Law & the Prophets: and he will have to take a stand on what truth is. Thank you for the exposure of so many fatally false church teachings. (Tom May 8, 2010.)
Hey Shalom Doug!!! I am overjoyed to make your acquaintance! A few years back someone sent me a copy of your book.. Thanking me for the "What About Paul?" page...http://www.iahushua.com/ST-RP/paul.htm Your book is Very Well Done!!! I loaned it out but it was never returned.. I can only hope that it is making the rounds. I have recently softened my heart a bit towards Paul.. and see him as (a confused) one of us...and recognized that he did indeed fulfill a great purpose... That is past. But now we must move on and Follow IaHUShUA [i.e. Jesus in Hebrew phonetics] .... (April 17, 2010.)
I want to thank you very much for helping to set my profound confusion and difficulties with Christianity into some sane perspective in Truth. This is really helping me to move on, out of a terrible pickle I got into; to seek Him in the right WAY...(Robert 2/13/2010)
I have enjoyed reading your website and your books... I finished your book Jesus Words Only first, and purchased Jesus Words Only on Salvation through Amazon. I also have downloaded your other free articles. It is nice to know that we are not alone. My husband and I share your views on Paul and the importance of the words of Jesus. Thank you for making your books available via Amazon and free on the internet. This makes it easy to share both ways. Some people are internet people and others book people and I have shared your website with several friends and family members. I must admit it has not been well received and I have taken some criticism, but in the end, I am sure if someone is honest and reads the books in a Berean fashion, the truth will prevail. I encourage you to continue to make your books and articles and essays available to people like me and others. I believe it is a life changing message. (Angela 1/30/2010).
A friend in our study group ordered 6 copies of Jesus Words Only (JWO) for all of us to read.We have been studying for a few years when one heard of your book on the net and ask me if I would check your site out. I sat for about 3 hours printing off JWO to take to my friends so they could read it. That prompted the order of 6 books to share and study. (Mary 1/19/2010).
Hi Douglas. Greetings from the State of Washington....I wanted to digest your book - Jesus Words Only - which I have found is incredibly profound. It has changed my whole life. I must admit that your book is counted among my most favorite. (Walter 1/19/2010)
As I searched the internet (Google) I came across something that I thought my eyes were deceiving me – Jesus Words Only – those words jumped off the screen and I thought this was just so awesome! The very thing I needed to see and here it was in front of me – how gracious and true God is! ...As I studied this book online, the blessings which flowed were more than I could put into words – to think that He loves us so much and knows exactly when and how to satisfy the longing of our hearts! I cannot thank Doug enough for this insightful work, which he has so beautifully put together – and the courage it took to write such profound things...so many questions were answered and so many fears were laid to rest… after all, now I have discovered the very deception within the place I had sought to find my God! ...The Good Shepherd had found me and brought me to that gate and I had to make the choice – go through or turn and go back…. Doug’s Jesus Words Only spoke straight to my heart and I drank, and drank and as I did so, knew that chains were falling off me.... The sheer joy of being free of much deception and discovering the wonder of Yahushua/Jesus’ Words has changed my life forever. We really do not need the words of Paul. He is the one who was so totally confused, as he brought his own gospel and threw the True Gospel out....The true ravening wolf dressed in sheep's clothing. In these last days, I know that eyes are being opened and ‘HE WHO HAS EARS TO HEAR, LET HIM HEAR’!!! My prayer is that MANY will be set free from the terrible deception within Christianity and will come to know the ONLY True Gospel – Jesus Words Only will become to them Life and a narrow Way which leads to peaceful pastures. (Carol 1/3/2010)
Great book...I work with attorneys like you and I appreciate the diligence by which you present your case. Excellent work! (Joe 12/20/2009).
Firstly, let me say that I am so happy for the work you have done. I use your book all the time as a reference and have been trying to help in bringing the sheep back into the fold of Yeshua's words alone! This is very difficult and most times I am accused of being a heretic or worse. I cannot fathom how one can accuse me of these things when I adhere strictly to Yeshua's teachings! Why do they love Paul so much?....(Ryan 12/1/09).
Truly, I have no real issues with Paul ... but I believe we must get back to Jesus' words and stop using Paul as a filter, because it really is starting to get on my nerves. Makes me wonder why Jesus spent time with twelve students, if he wanted a special one to the Gentiles. Ultradispensationalism and Marcionism almost seem to be the same thing to me. Nothing new under the sun. Keep up the good word. Christendom needs it. (Fol. 10/19/09)
I'd just like to add that Jesus' Words Only is the most insightful book I've read since C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity. (J. 10/4/09)
I can not say enough by way of thank you for your most brilliant book -- Jesus' Words Only. In my youth I began to feel that Paul was not from God, and that was in the 1950’s. Your excellent ability to research your topic and then produce clear, understandable writing is a valuable tool to enlighten many; thank you for all your labors. Thank you even more for taking Christ’s side against those who would sideline His ministry. I know full well your efforts to stand with Him have been costly in terms of ridicule and rejection. What a breath of fresh air to read your book....We too have been studying this and ... so your writing will be class material for some Sabbaths to come. (Michael L. 10/11/09).
Thank for doing this. It helps me understand my frustration in the bible and the varying words of Jesus vs Paul's words. My friend and I have had discussions and we always have a problem getting through Paul's words and how they were different than what Jesus said. Thank you for pointing all this out. (Elizabeth 10/13/09)
I read part of your e-book and I am beginning to understand what you are saying about Paul. I was interested in the Messianic movement, and have searched far and wide seeing if any objective scholar could read a pro-torah Paul but to no avail. I rarely have anything against him, and growing up, I always saw him as a wonderful testimony from God, who went from adversary to ally, and found his involvement in the NT to be amazing. Lately, with the fact that the OT, the other epistles and even the sermon on the mount are ignored because of Paul, I have really begun to wonder about Paul. Seeing your point, I wonder if there is anything positive we can take from the Pauline letters. There are some good things like the running a race, the armor of Christ and the fruits of the spirit which I liked. Is it wise to take the good from him or is it better to ignore him altogether? I have considered putting him in the backseat of the NT for now, until I figure out the value....From the way Paul has almost taken over from the Messiah and his twelve, I believe it best for me to understand Jesus better. Thank you for what you are doing, by redirecting us towards Jesus's words again. (Fol. 10/18/09)
Thankyou for publishing Jesus' Words website. The ravening wolf prophecy linked to Paul was an eye opener and I now believe that Paul was a false apostle and is the one mentioned in the Book of Revelation: "I know your works, your labor, and your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who SAY THEY ARE APOSTLES and are not, and have found them liars." Rev. 2:2 (Tom 9/23/09).
I would like to thank you for having the courage to write the book "Jesus' Words Only" and for making it available free online. I downloaded it and had the pages printed and bound at a shop -- it cost me more than the price of the book but it is totally worth it....I am so convinced of the truth that I put a link to your website [on my personal webpage]. Since then, I have been persecuted by two friends who think I have been deceived. Isn’t it strange that people take so much offense when Paul is being attacked in defence of Jesus? I know I have already been labelled as a believer of heresy and will be persecuted by many other people, but no matter what, I will stand by what I believe is God’s truth and light....The fact that you have made your brilliant book available free online is a clear indication that you are not one of those false prophets who are driven by greed. Thank you again. (J. 9/25/09).
I really feel that I periodically have to write just to say thanks. I bought JWO & JWOS, and have downloaded and coalesced both books in pdf's. My family and I have used the books for Sabbath services every week. We have finished JWO and are on Ch. 19 of JWOS. We read it out loud every week. (Randy Aug. 29, 2009)
I think your books are pivotal works. They are very will written and researched. I have printed a few chapters and placed them in a binder. They are deep and take time to sort out. It concerns me "why" people reject the words of the Messiah. Because of the traditions of men, the institutions of men, the signs and wonders of men that the Messiah is rejected. I am no better and have a lot to learn. (Dale June 8, 2009)
Your site, as well as a few others, but yours mainly, has turned my faith and entire religious beliefs, all except one, completely upside down, and I have realized a lifetime of error.... I am a baptist, from a KJV only, once saved-always saved, Paul the apostle, church dispensation, etc. upbringing. I can tell you that from your book, my eyes have been opened. I wish to open the eyes of my family as well, although it won't be easy. (Adam June 4, 2009)
Well, so far I have read all the chapters of the online edition of JWO....At this point what I can say is your thesis is very lucid, intelligent and thought provoking. Your arguments are clear and concise, extremely persuasive, well grounded in scripture documentation and very well presented. In short I think you are an excellent writer and your book will be the standard for the JWO argument. I am having a hard time believing that I, a Christian for 40 years, am just now seeing others expound on something that has bothered me all these years but I couldn't put my finger on it. (Walter June 3, 2009)
I took a quick look at Jesus Words Only. Yes, by all means, Paul must be compared with Jesus. That way, as you (and I) point out, Paul does come out significantly different from Jesus. A false prophet, as you point out so dramatically....[It] is interesting to see how our researches have dovetailed....It is important to both of us to liberate Jesus' message from that of Paul. (Barrie Wilson, Professor of Religious Studies at Toronto's York University, author of How Jesus Became A Christian (2009).)
I found your website listed at www.yahuah.org and it became one of my favorites very quickly. I agree very much with your "Jesus words only" approach. Your articles are academically well written, highly readable, and most important, encouraging to the faithful. I thank you very much for your good work. (Abraham 5/29/2009).
I am very glad that I found your site! You echoed the same thoughts and problems that I myself have had with Paul. I am a chaplain candidate with the US Army and a graduate of an evangelical university. I really ran into problems with Paul in Seminary in preparation for my ascension to become a full chaplain, but I just could not see how someone could take Paul's words and form them to echo what Christ said and what all the other apostles wrote. It seemed like too much of a jump to me to believe Paul. Finally after a few of the professors grew tired of me constantly questioning them concerning Paul, and not being satisfied with "well tradition states..." one decided to pull me aside and ask me was I sure I was meant to be a chaplain, after all, how could I question the father of modern Christianity! I am so glad to see that I am not alone! I was beginning to believe that I was a heretic, but I could not force myself to just believe because someone else told me I should...I wanted answers to my questions and you gave them, thank you! ....Again, thank you for lifting this weight off of my chest, I dont feel like such a heretic after all....(Keven 2/7/2009).
I must admit, I'm impressed. My mind has been blown on a few occasions while reading the book online. The evidence against Paul seems overwhelming. YHWH Bless. (Sebastien Dec.08.)
First of all, thank you very much for putting your book Jesus' Words Only online. I've been reading it non-stop each night, and manage to turn off the computer only at the point of bare exhaustion. .. JWO has been so uplifting to me and has actually helped me to live a better life. For a long time I have questioned Paul's legitimacy as an apostle of Jesus....Your book has changed my attitude toward sin. Before, I had the "once saved, always saved" attitude that I could continue to commit sins and that if I repented later they would be forgiven. In reality, I fooled myself into thinking I could sin with impunity, and I never really repented for any of my sins. Deep down I knew that I was making a mockery of God's forgiveness and long suffering mercy. Furthermore, I knew that I was not fooling Him in the least. In my old belief, there was never any fear of punishment to keep me from sinning, since I believed I was eternally saved. Under that old belief, I continued to sin, always fearing in my mind that was dead wrong, but never knowing for sure. But now, your book helped me to focus on the teaching of Jesus alone, without Paul's confusion of the gospel. Now I realize that I am saved, but that being saved, I am also a branch of the vine Jesus. I am required to produce fruit or risk being hewn down and cast into the fire. To me that says salvation is not a permanent thing, and can be taken away. (Mike 12/27/08.)
Your book on Paul was given to me by a friend that I just recently met and it has been instrumental in our being able to reach others with this very important message. Having been a Baptist missionary and a pastor for a number of years, I don't have to tell you what my mindset was for most of my life. However, a few years ago I began having problems with what I was seeing in the Bible and what I was preaching so I left the church and started searching....It is difficult to find fellowship with like minded believers but there are a few of us and we enjoy studying and midrashing the Scriptures together Again I thank you for your incredible work and your taking time to respond. May Yah richly bless you as you continue your invaluable work. (John 11/20/2008)
Just wanted to thank you for your tremendous amount of work involved in the writing of your book concerning Paul. I have had trouble for years with the teachings of Paul but since I have been taught all my life including seminary that we dare not question the canonicity of the New Testament writings I had to somehow reconcile in my mind to obvious contradictions between the teachings of Yeshua and Paul. Your book sorted out a lot of things for me including the matter of canon. After having read through the book and going back through it and checking references and documentation, I have the answers I have been seeking and the freedom to begin to think for myself. Again I thank you very much...May Yah bless you in your life and ministry. Sincerely in the Faith. John (11/13/08)
Am writing to inform you that I am grateful for your effort. It has cleared a lot of darkness that had hindered my understanding of Paul. I am a Ugandan.... (Charles 10/15/2008)
I am writing to you now to share the gratitude I have in my heart to Yahweh for leading you into His truth and writing the book, "Jesus Words Only". I have only read 3 chapters but it is clear from your web page, blogs, and what I did read that this work was from Yahweh and you were obedient. Thank you brother! This work was a great confirmation and is a continued resource. (Bradford 7/24/2008).
I would like to thank you for your book “Jesus’ Words Only”. I bought several copies of it in late 2005 and gave them to friends and family. Although I don’t fully agree with all you have to say, I can certainly say that your book has been one of the most thought provoking ones I have every read, and reread. I greatly appreciate the work you have done and the courage it has taken... Throughout all my years of teaching I have always had problems with Paul and as discussions would lead to differences I would often state: “Well, I am a Christian, not a Paulian, so I’ll follow what Jesus teaches on the issue.”... Your books have excellent thoughts and will help shape our discussions and more.
I have really come to appreciate your find on Trophimus. His having been busted for defiling the Temple is certainly implied by Luke. And knowing what Paul taught the Ephesians in 2:14-22 explains Trophimus' state of mind and actions perfectly. His defense would have been, "But Paul said..." and this perfectly explains the reaction of those who cried out for help against Paul in the Temple. It's one of those things where when you finally see it, you wonder how you missed it for so long! I was just showing my wife Lisa this just last night and she too was fascinated. ...I'm reading the entire book through again. I've gotten through chapter 3 so far and it is basically the same as the first edition, but I still get such a thrill reading it again because I can't see where anyone can come up with a good argument to refute your logic. You have all the bases covered so well. (Scott N. March 12, 2007)
I read your book several months ago and it was just what I was looking for. It was my turning point. I had always had trouble reconciling Paul's words with those of Jesus and knew in my heart something was not right. (Becky March 3, 2007)
If I haven’t said it before, I want to compliment you on your insight and work on the Balaam parallel. I never saw it, and the connection you draw is incredible. There are also numerous other arguments you make that are astounding and you have for all my knowledge dealt a deathblow to every argument in favor of Paul. Again, I hope controversy causes your work to spread like wildfire. (Scott N. July 2, 2006.)
Shalom Doug, I've been going back over your book again and I can't tell you how excited I get every time I read it....I am hoping and praying your book...exposes the truth to millions. (Scott N. June 20, 2006.)
[From a Jewish friend.] Dear Doug, Thanks for your book. I actually made about four trips to the web site to read it. ...I read over one half of your book this weekend. I haven't perused it line-by-line yet. It would take me hours to do your effort justice. My only fear is that you will be branded a heretic. Most Rabbis I know and have read have always been kind and understanding of Jesus and what he said -- his ministry. I have found few Jews who have the same patience with Paul. My own views of the Messiah have evolved and are too complex for an e-mail, or even a letter. Most Christians and Jews would characterize me as a heretic on this point. At least they'd shoot me before they shot you...Your primary thesis is that where there is a conflict between Jesus and Paul, the benefit of any doubt should go to Jesus.The Church, as an institution, has a different history. I suspect this is because Paul was at least four things: (1) a prolific writer, (2) very persuasive, (3) very passionate, and (4) lucky enough to have his writing survive. I love your theme of returning to the law. My own observation is that we live in a largely lawless world where a passion for truth and justice could only improve the lot of all humanity. I could spend many more hours in this dialogue. And we will. Sooner or later you will visit me for an extended visit in Cambria or I in Orange County. (Clint Jan. 2006)
Halleluyah - for this most enlightening, comprehensive, educative, courageous and brilliant book! It not only exposes the falsity of Paul as an apostle of Yah'shuah, but teaches on a whole host of fundamental principles with respect to following Yahweh and only Yahweh's words (Matthew 4:4). Yahweh richly bless you for this great work, which should strengthen weak followers of Yah'shuah. (Isaac, Dec. 21, 2005)
Jesus Words Only - Professional Reviews
Is Paul the Apostle really who he claimed to be? Or is he a false prophet whose writings should be excluded from the New Testament? The Attorney Tondo deftly argues his case in the book Jesus’ Words Only – Or Was Paul the Apostle Jesus Condemns in Revelation 2:2?
A self-proclaimed “evangelical Christian” since age 15, Tondo informs readers in the book’s introduction that his soul-searching began as a result of questioning the Baptist doctrine of eternal security and the Calvinist doctrine of perseverance of the saints. After searching for answers, Tondo was frustrated to find that although these teachings always originated with Paul, Jesus’ words seemed to contradict Paul’s. Irritated at what appeared to be an “incessant marginalization of Jesus in preference for Paul,” the author asks and seeks to answer the controversial question: “Why not Jesus’ words alone?”
A practicing attorney, Tondo's obvious skill for in-depth research and proficient prosecution is evident, as he lays down argument after argument to support his verdict: Paul is guilty of being a false prophet, and therefore, his writings should not be included in the New Testament. First, Tondo says, Paul never made a valid prophecy, which is the only way a true prophet could add text to the Bible (Deut. 18:15). Second, the writings of Paul negate the law, which the author says is clear evidence that he was a false prophet (Deut. 13:5). Third, the author points out that Jesus’ mention of Balaam in Revelation 2:14 points to Paul as the Balaam-type figure in the New Testament church. (Balaam was an Old Testament prophet who taught that eating meat sacrificed to idols is permissible, as did Paul.)
Tondo uses evidence from both early Church History and scripture to weave a convincing case against Paul, although Paulinists would argue that there are numerous holes in his theory. The majority of evangelical Christians will most likely find Tondo’s charges heresy, saying that God would not allow his Word to be tainted in such a manner (Tondo even offers an answer for this). For Tondo and his claims, however, the jury is still out, and his book is food for thought for those who are serious students of the Bible. (BookWire Review May 30, 2006)
Writer's Digest 15th Annual International Self-Published Book Awards (Nov. 2007)
The best part of author Tondo's Jesus' Words Only is the thoroughly researched material for inclusion in this book. The Appendix, Bibliography, and Topical Index at the end of the manuscript are all well written. The Table of Contents is well structured and concise. The reader will better understand what the author has written after reviewing these important parts of the book. Author Tondo used specific and concrete words to support what he has written. His style and tone of writing is noteworthy.
Online Reviews
This is the Motherlode of Biblical Truth. This book blows the lid off of centuries of false doctrine handed down to us, and exposes the "Apostle Paul" for what he realy is - the apostate Paul. This book provides extremely well documented and verifiable evidence that Paul fits the mold of a false prophet to a tee. I will be buying several copies of this book for my friends who are not afraid to think outside the box of church tradition. Mr. Tondo presents an iron clad case that several books of the New Testament were actually written as a polemic against Paul's epistles. (J Gaul 4/8/2010 at Barnes & Noble.)
[Jesus' Words Only] will probably sound like heresy to many people. It will definitely challenge one's thinking regarding Paul's doctrine, and Paul himself. Definitely not for those who don't want to rock the boat of their long-held traditions, but if you are a Truth seeker, you most definitely will want to read this one. (Tshuva.us 2/15/2010)
This book is packed with biblical knowledge and sound historical documentation. The chapters are broken up beautifully so that topics can be focused on and used at study groups or in sermons. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to follow the voice of their Messiah over the voice of another. From my perspective this is one of the best Christian books I have ever read... if you plan on reading extra biblical christian literature for additional edification then this is the one to read! ;)(R.Nolan 11/22/2009, Amazon.)
After years of struggling with what appeared to me to be conflicts in the New Testament with statements of Paul and the teachings of James and the other writers including the teachings of Yeshua in the gospel accounts, my eyes were opened with a greater understanding of canonicity. My background and training had always taught me that all the books of the New Testament were inspired and were not to be questioned. The Author sheds great light on the subject of canonicity and this answers the questions that had always bothered me. (John Parton 11/22/2008, Buy Books on the Web review.)
After reading this tremendously scholarly work on Paul, my eyes were opened to many conflicts and contradictions in my own thinking. Having accepted Paul's teachings for years because of an errant understanding of canonicity I realized that there was good reason for the conflict and contradiction because they are there. Paul definitely contradicts Yeshua's teachings and as a result many are deceived because they are taught that Paul's writings are inspired. I am thankful that I discovered this masterful work and recommend it to anyone that is seeking the Truth.(John Parton, 11/7/2008, Amazon review)
The premise of this book is to show that Paul is an apostate, that he may have been a true follower of Jesus but that he turned away. He contends that though Paul may have had a true experience with Jesus on the road to Damascus he was not an apostle, but Paul declared himself an apostle. His comparison of Paul with Balaam is interesting, as well as the explanation of knowing a prophet or apostle by their message, not by the signs and wonders. He make some miss steps in his arguments but the underlining premise is a good one. (Mark June 6, 2008. Weread.com Reviews)
Jesus' Words Only is essential reading for all sincere Christians. The idea that Paul teaches a different gospel than Jesus Christ sounds almost blasphemous on the surface. However the author hammers away at his points until it becomes apparent that a rebuttal is all but impossible. Does Paul declare himself a thirteenth apostle? Did anyone other than Paul give Paul his authority? Did Paul negate the law's further applicability? If Paul's words disagree with Jesus, who should we follow? You need to read this book. (Kassidy Jones 4/15/08 Amazon review.)
"Jesus' Words Only" was a decent read. The premise of Paul being the false apostle is correct, but the author does not use evidence that is as strong as he could have. The high point of the book was the explanation of "Balaam" in Revelation 2:14. Aside from all of that, Tondo crosses himself a few times in his explanation. He says at one point, correctly, that adding to or taking away from the Law is a sin, and would make someone a false prophet. But, he then goes on to claim that Jesus in Matthew 15 and Mark 7 is saying that eating non-kosher food is ok (thus a violation of the criteria he used against Paul), instead of explaining that Jesus was speaking about rabbinic tradition. Good premise, but overall the book was lacking. Due to the nonexistence of literature relating to this subject, it wouldn't hurt to pick this one up. He has it for free on his website: www.jesuswordsonly.com. (6/29/07 Post at Weread.com Reviews)
[My comment. I did not say Jesus said it was ok to eat non-Kosher. I said that Jesus said it did not make you a sinner to do so. It made you unclean, which is different. I said this means Kosher rules were health rules, and God does not want to hear repentance for eating shrimp by accident. Doug]
I very highly recommend this book to anyone, especially if you have ever had a question about Paul. I believe Mr. Tondo's book is the very next book everyone should read right after reading the Bible. It should be required reading for every seminary student. (Scott N., "Review, Jesus Words Only.")
An indictment of Pauline Dispensationalism. This book is an outstanding addition to the growing awareness among scholars and historians that there is something fundamentally wrong with the doctrine of the self-professed apostle Paul as it relates to other New Testament and Old Testament doctrine. Mr. Tondo's trenchant analysis of Paul's incompatibility with the teachings of Jesus also exposes dispensationalist doctrine as the fraud it truly is when it futilely and superficially attempts to overcome the contradictions between Jesus and Paul by assigning each doctrine to a separate and compartmentalized "church age" or "dispensation". (December 22, 2006 Excaliburton at Amazon.)
Scott Nelson's Review
Here is a book that I hope will be causing a major uproar in Christianity in the days to come. Its writing is literally centuries overdue. The author [is], a professional attorney, revives the nearly 2000-year-old cold case against Paul's supposed apostleship and his unique anti-Law-of-Moses doctrine....Mr. Tondo picks up where we were cut off from history. In his case against Paul, there is no stone left unturned, and no argument in support of Paul's supposed apostleship that is left un-addressed. The author exposes the fact that Paul's claim of apostleship was taken presumptuously and went unrecognized by the 12 apostles that the Lord had specifically chosen and trained for over three years to be his official witnesses.
Mr. Tondo accurately displays the gross differences in the teachings and doctrines of Paul over that of the Lord. He also goes on to make the solid case that it was Paul who Yahshua (Jesus) referred to when he spoke to the Ephesian church as recorded by the apostle John in Revelation 2:2. Here, Yahshua commended the Ephesians for rejecting someone who had claimed to be his apostle and was not. This is something I have also taught since the beginning of my site over ten year ago.
Mr. Tondo also handles this case very thoughtfully and realistically and does not go off into wild accusations of conspiracy on Paul's part. His position is the same as mine in that we both believe Paul had a real conversion experience on the road to Damascus, but he was never commissioned to be an apostle. Because of his pride, Paul went very wrong. Mr. Tondo beautifully demonstrates the parallels between Paul and Balaam, a prophet who was also on his way to curse God's people when he was confronted by heavenly vision. Balaam converted and spoke much good for a while, but then went terribly wrong. If it can happen to Balaam, and numerous others, why not Paul?
Mr. Tondo makes many additional excellent points that tie it all together into a masterful prosecution that would stand up in court today. I dare say no impartial juror would consider acquitting Paul after hearing Doug's case. On a couple of occasions while reading this book, I thought Mr. Tondo was getting out on a limb with what I considered a tenuous new argument only to find that after staying with him a little longer, he pulled it all together with other facts that proved his point.
If you have ever had any doubts about something Paul said, this book is a must-read for you. By the end of it, you too will agree that the only words in the NT that should be elevated to the status if "Infallible Word of God" are the words of Yahshua (Jesus) alone, and all others must comply with his teaching.
I very highly recommend this book to anyone, especially if you have ever had a question about Paul. I believe Mr. Tondo's book is the very next book everyone should read right after reading the Bible. It should be required reading for every seminary student.
[Scott Nelson(2006). This is only a partial excerpt. A longer version is at this link.]
The scene [in Acts where Paul encounters Jesus] is very reminiscent of Balaam being stopped by the Angel of the Lord because he intended to curse Israel. The parallels between Paul and Balaam are striking. They both started out as enemies of God on their way to curse God's people when they were stopped by a blinding vision on the way. They both repented, converted and served God for a short while, then turned on Him and His people again. If it can happen to Balaam, why not Paul? For more details on this incredible parallel, read 'Jesus Words Only' ....http://www.judaismvschristianity.com/paula.htm
Tshuva's Review
http://www.tshuva.us/Links/index.html
I found this book fascinating reading. I believe it is quite likely that Shaul (Paul) was the one the Bereans were constantly checking the Scriptures (Tanakh, or "Old Testament) against to see if he was indeed teaching the truth. Whether he was a true Apostle or a false Apostle is something you will have to decide for ourself. The point is, whether he was a true apostle and greatly misunderstood, or a false apostle after the tradition of Balaam, the bottom line here is that the way Christianity understands his teaching regarding the Torah is completely against the Word of YHWH and those who align their lives by the belief that Torah was done away with need to repent and not teach this heretical doctrine! Otherwise, they may find themselves at the receiving end of the words of YHWH in Matthew 7:23. www.jesuswordsonly.com
Bloggers
Paul on Trial.. Against Yeshua and the Torah. Jesus' Words only book!!! by Jeremiah M. (6/10/2010) If you have every wondered about Paul and still even in the Aramaic his writings still bother you.... Well here's a book that is great!!! Paul is on trial against Yeshua and Torah. It's written from a Greek prospective but still then the case is Strong! (in that this men is 100% pro-Torah but still seems to be not a Netzari or Messianic but a simple Christan that found the truth from the Torah & Yeshua. If any thing I would love others that are deep in study with the Spirit for help in this and would want to know what they think after reading this book. Please by the book http://jesuswordsonly.com/
Two unexpected further developments have taken place since I came to Greece. My first trip here as a tourist came as a result of my setting up a website about Saul of Tarsus. My goal in creating the page was to provide an information source during the creation of which I would help myself and consequently others get to grips with the parts of the New Testament written by or about Paul. On my initial trip here I visited all the sites in mainland Greece which played a significant part in his ministry: Philipi, Thessaloniki, Corinth and Athens, and I uploaded photographic and other material thus gathered to the site. Since coming to live here I have had to face very serious questions about the credibility of Paul. There is a considerable amount of information about this on the net, the most scholarly and biblical of which I found to be an extensive ebook entitled Jesus's Words Only. The upshot of new insights thus gained was that I have put aside reflection on Paul's writing and begun to focus on the Gospels and Revelation. (March 21, 2010, Savarios.)
I won't try to convince you otherwise because, like you, I used to believe the same thing but I do know different now. I would like to share with you a website that may or may not change the way you look at the salvation Christ offers us. Jesus words Only - Jesus words as the sole inspired portion of the New Testament Scripture. There are two full books that you can read and I suggest you start with Jesus Words on Salvation and then move to the Jesus Words Only book. You will need your bible to go along with it because the study comes directly from scripture. They are both listed under the books section and you can read each chapter of the book online at this site. (Christy Jan. 9, 2010.)
Questions Posed on Threads
Just wondering if you've ever questioned the validity of Paul himself. Many doctrines that I've had difficulty with over the years (once saved always saved, the law is void/age of grace, depravity of all men, Romans 13 etc) are directly from Paul. I had these questions well before I ever doubted Paul. Upon realizing I wasn't the first to doubt Paul, I became intrigued with the possibility that he could be a false apostle. Considering many things in modern Christianity can be traced directly to him, I thought it would be worth a look. I would love to hear your opinion on the books of Mr. Tondo. I've almost made it through his book on Paul and Jesus' Words on Salvation. I now believe with my mind that Paul is false, but fully accepting it emotionally is hard as I was raised with him being a premier apostle. Anyway, I'd love maybe a refutation of some of Mr. Tondo's stuff (although it seems pretty solid to me) to further test the truth of this matter. His books can be read on his website, Jesuswordsonly.com Like your blog alot, thanks for your labor for the truth. (Anon 3/1/2010.)
My copy of Tondo's book arrived a few days ago. I'm reading it with a mixture of shock (at my complacent assumption that Paul's letters were inspired scripture Just Because They're In The Canon), amazement (at the flat-out contradictions between Yeshua's teachings and Paul's), and ancticipation (at what comes next). Briefly, Tondo makes a case that Paul/Saul/Sha'ul/Pavlvs of Tarsus was a either a consistently false apostle or a genuine believer in Yeshua whose mind was subsequently corrupted a la Baalam, leading him to teach moral subjectivism and lawlessness on such matters as eating food sacrificed to idols, fornication, etc.(John G. 12/22/2009).
Speaking of coming back to the text, I have been reading Jesus Words Only by Tondo. He claims that James is putting Paul on “trial” for his teaching on salvation as being by “faith” alone. He also suggests that Paul may be one of the “apostles” that Jesus speaks of in Revelation 2:2. This book is very intersting, but I do not know what to think at this point. One thing is certain, I know that the truth and love of God resides within Torah. Any help? (John B. 11/18/2009)
Steven do you know the book "Jesus' Words Only" - it's an eye-opener on Paul. (Jason in Cape Town June 13, 2009)
In the network, [url]http://www.jesuswordsonly.com/freechapters.html[/url] has caused considerable controversy. In the church, from all indications, the Church has been aware of the existence of the book, from teaching for two years, Paul is against the law. Paul is quite suddenly speaking against the law. Just want to know how many people here in the end are anti-Paul? In the end how many people know this book exists? (Peter Khoo, China, Nov. 25, 2008.)
I just read "Jesus' Words Only - Or Was Paul the Apostle Jesus Condemns in Rev. 2:2." It confirmed a lot of things that were already occupying my mind in the last year. I am NOT here to discuss whether or not Paul was a true or false aposte. I am JUST here in the hope to find someone who also has some serious doubts about Paul’s teaching and wants to go back to JWO ('Jesus words only'). Someone who might also be wondering: What now? Hoping we can share our thoughts. (Jane’s blog, 9/8/2008 http://www.mychurch.org/blog/2528.)
Blogger Sir Knight Begins With Quote from Jesus’ Words Only p.295:
After Peter founded the church of Rome and left, Paul arrived and appointed the first bishop of the church of Rome (Linus), according to Constitution of the Apostles (ca. 180-200 A.D.) at 7:46. That means Paul appointed the very first pope of Rome—although the name pope for the bishop of Rome was not yet in use. (Peter never apparently used the label bishop to identify his status at Rome.) Thus, the validity of the lineage of the Roman church depended crucially upon Paul. If Paul were discredited, it would discredit the Roman Catholic church virtually from inception.
This is an incredible book that all should read. He offers the chapters free online.
http://www.jesuswordsonly.com/JWO/freechaptersonline.htmll (Sir Knight, Jan. 30, 2008 at http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=215396 (1 of 14)1/30/2008)
I think that if you examine the 497 pages in "Jesus' Words Only", you will find scholarly criticism of Paul that rivals or exceeds that of Victor's work. And like Victor's book, Jesus’ Words Only is also available free online. And then some of you will be persuaded to either accept or reject the doctrine of Paul. With Paul removed from the NT, we still have the words of Jesus as recorded by his apostles and disciples, but Paul and Luke were never disciples or apostles of Jesus. They never even met Him. (Excaliburton, 9/23/2006 http://www.comparative-religion.com/forum/did-anybody-refute-a-victor)
Attributions and Use
Those who uses portions of Jesus Words Only with attribution (and thus might be a webpage with substantive related materials are):
1. "Apostle Paul, a Man of Like Passions" (Sept 2, 2007) at http://www.revelations.org.za/Passion.htm |
