Somewhere i have a neo-pagan mag from a couple decades ago. A long article / study in it analyzes the role of Paul as a Jew -double- agent with close ties and at times in co-operation with part of Roman elite class, on a mission to spread christian beliefs in order to cause instability in the Empire with 2 final goals : 1. The Roman elite get rid of Nero [dont remember if they were only against him or they wanted to undermine the imperial system] 2. Jews take advantage of chaos, revolt and free their territories. It made sense when i read it. It convinced me to be a very strong possibility, at least. Sources, facts, dates match. - Need to find to re-read. It would be fun to compare my current mind with that back then.