While his words are divinely inspired and timeless, one can only imagine how his correspondence might have looked in a world of inboxes, CCs, and dreaded spam filters.
So,
let’s have a little fun and picture an alternate reality where the
Apostle to the Gentiles had access to a first-century email accounts.
From:
St Paul (paul.of.tarsus@)
To:
The Hebrews
CC:
Galatians, Romans, Philippians
Subject:
Faith, Works, and a Little Encouragement
Greetings in Christ,
I pray this email finds you well and steadfast in the faith. I have received several reports (yes, even without email the Word of our Lord travels fast!) about some confusion regarding the Law and its place in your salvation.
Brethren, let me remind you - just as I told the Galatians, the Romans, and yes, even my dear Philippians - salvation is through faith in Christ alone... oh... and don't forget works too... something I'll be writing to our brother James about in more details (James 2:17)
The Law was our guardian, leading us to Christ, but now that He has come, we are justified by faith (Galatians 3:24-25). Do not let anyone burden you with old chains!
I have also heard that some of you are slipping back into quarrels and divisions. Brethren, this should not be! Be of one mind and united in Christ, for our true citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20).
I must go now as I'm emailing you from a Roman internet café today as my own wi-fi is down. These Roman internet cafés charge by the minute, plus the usual high Roman tax on top! Anyway I'm still thankful for this as I can still keep in contact with you all.
Grace and peace to you in Christ,
Paul
From:
The Galatians (galatian_church@
To:
St Paul
Subject:
Re: Faith, Works, and a Little Encouragement
Dear Paul,
Thanks for your message! Hope you get your wi-fi sorted.
Just to clarify - so we don’t need to follow any of the old laws? Bartholomew also insists we still shouldn’t eat bacon. Please advise.
Also, there’s this group of people here who keep saying we need to be circumcised to be saved. We told them you already addressed this, but they won’t let it go.
Just as an aside, we keep receiving emails from the Roman Tax Office saying that we're due for a refund. Would you happen to know as to whether these emails are spam or is it ok to reply? Quite a few of our brothers and sister are convinced that they've been paying too much Roman tax lately.
Blessings,
The Galatian Church
From:
St Paul
To:
The Galatians
Subject:
Re: Re: Faith, Works, and a Little Encouragement
Oh, you dear, stubborn Galatians!
How many times must I say it? You are not saved by works of the Law, but through faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians2:16). Bacon? You are free to eat it (1 Corinthians 10:25-26).
As for the circumcision debate, I have already told you: If you accept circumcision as necessary for salvation, Christ will be of no benefit to you (Galatians 5:2). These agitators must stop troubling you! Keep me updated.
No! Don't reply to those "Roman Tax Refund" emails! We also keep getting those same emails this end too and yes, they are definitely spam. Just block them. I find those emails to be just another thorn in my side; a real pain. If you check the dates in those emails you'll see that they're in Roman numerals and the word "Tributum is spelled incorrectly ... a dead giveaway for Roman spam.
Yes thanks, wi-fi sorted now.
Grace and peace,
Paul
From:
The Romans (rome.church@)
To:
St Paul
Subject:
Need More Clarification
Dear Paul,
We appreciate your last letter - very deep stuff. However, some of us are still confused. If we are saved by faith, does that mean we can sin freely since grace will cover it?
Also, if you’re ever in Rome, let’s get together - there’s a great little place by the forum that serves excellent wine which will hopefully calm that thorn in your side or any other indigestion problems you may have.
Thanks for the spam email advice. All "Roman Tax Refund" emails now going directly to junk folder. Thanks again.
Best regards,
The Roman Church
From:
St Paul
To:
The Romans
Subject:
Re: Need More Clarification
May it never be.
Shall we continue in sin so that grace may abound? By no means! (Romans6:1-2). You have died to sin in Christ; how can you live in it any longer? Grace does not mean lawlessness, my friends. It means freedom from sin, not freedom to sin!
Also, I would love to visit Rome! I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to strengthen you... shouldn't be a problem getting them through customs (Romans 1:11) as I always declare my faith to everyone I encounter, even at all customs and border crossings!
Hopefully this time my travel plans don't get interrupted and my luggage lost (again)
In Christ,
Paul
From:
The Philippians (philippi.church@)
To:
St Paul
Subject:
Encouragement & Epaphroditus
Dear Paul,
We were overjoyed to receive your letter! We are striving to rejoice in all circumstances (Philippians 4:4), but truth be told, it’s been tough. Persecution is increasing, and some of our members are growing weary.
Also, Epaphroditus says "Hi". He caught a terrible illness but has recovered - praise God!
Please keep us in your prayers.
Yours in Christ,
The Philippian Church
From:
St Paul
To:
The Philippians
Subject:
Re: Encouragement & Epaphroditus
Dear brothers and sisters,
I am so glad to hear from you!
First, let me say - Epaphroditus, I am so relieved you’re well. You had me quite worried (Philippians 2:27). But God is merciful!
As for the struggles you are facing, take heart. Rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4). Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6-7). The peace of Christ will guard your hearts.
Stand firm, dear ones. I am with you in spirit, and more importantly, Christ is with you always.
In love,
Paul
From:
St Peter (peter@)
To:
St Paul
Subject:
Can You CC Me Next Time?
Brother Paul,
Great work, as always, but could you CC me on these emails?
I like to keep up with what’s going on, and the Jerusalem Council had some thoughts on the whole circumcision matter (Acts 15). Just a heads up!
Also, don’t forget to clear your drafts folder - I hear you have some unfinished epistles sitting there. ;)
Blessings,
Peter
From:
St Paul
To:
St Peter
Subject:
Re: Can You CC Me Next Time?
Of course, Peter, my apologies! I’ll make sure to keep you in the loop. As for the drafts, I’ve got one for Titus and one for Timothy waiting to be sent - just need to proof read.
Grace and peace,
Paul
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