If Jesus did not intend to start Christianity, who did? Piñero argues that Paul of Tarsus is the true architect of Christianity as an independent religion. Paul took the messianic messages of the early Jerusalem community and translated them into a Hellenistic (Greek-influenced) framework. By altering requirements like circumcision and dietary laws, Paul made the movement accessible—and immensely appealing—to Gentiles (non-Jews), effectively creating the theological bridge away from mainstream Judaism. 3. "Defeated Christianities" and Early Diversity
A massive translation and critical commentary project where Piñero and other scholars analyze the text with extensive historical footnotes.