During His 3+ years  of ministering, Jesus went among the "common" people, fisherman (His first apsotles were fishermen), laborers, people who worked for a living, choosing to avoid the well to do, the law keepers, "righteous" jews.

In my play, ROAD TO BETHANY (The Passion Play), when asked why it is that he associates with "sinners", I paraphrase His response.  "Why is it that the mender doesn't mend new cloth with old patches?   The patches will not hold. Nor does the vintner pour new wine in old wineskins, the skins will burst..the "old" is mellower."  

He was in effect telling the questioner that it would be a waste of time with those "righteous" persons who were set in their ways.  The were too "comfortable" in the Law and all that was associated with Jewish customs and religion to ever embrace what Jesus was preaching.

Reaction to the  teachings of Paul by many can be explained this way, as well,otherwise, those who claim to be bible scholars would realize that it is Paul's teachings, his gospel that should be accepted and understood and taught.

But, those who refuse to accept his gospel as being the only true one, are too comfortable in the distrted teachings  of "man".  Be good and you go to heaven, be bad and you go to hell. The "carrot and the stick", otherwise why would people tithe if there's no expectation of reward?  Also, one must "give" himself to Jesus to receive blessings..not enough that He GAVE himself for us, we must also "give"?  There's nothing more that can be gfiven!!  And sins have only been pardoned.  How can thery be justified, absolved as though never committed, if there's no punishment?( the "carrot and the stick" once again).

Only those with open minds, like a child's, willing to accept another "path" will be able to embrace the "truth", contained in Paul's teachings..paiulnbob