Nova's First Letter to the Apostle Paul
Dear Paul,
I hope this letter finds you well wherever you are. In this strange time of social distancing your letters have actually inspired me. You were a pioneer in hybrid learning! An OG remote educator with students far and wide requesting your letters, wanting to tap into the truth you were so zealous to share.
When I first met you I didn’t know I was meeting you. I heard kid friendly versions of your letters in chapel at my Episcopalian day care and school growing up. I bet you could imagine my surprise when I started reading the adult versions. (I had no idea anyone could talk about circumcision for so long. I totally get that it was important for you in your time!)
But Paul. As I read your letters, I have a serious question. Are you… okay? Like, how are you doing? Ever since your conversion you just seem a little… off. And I wouldn't mention it if it didn’t matter, but your letters have literally transformed the world. People have fought wars, killed and died for your writings, and I care about the world a bit, so I think I just need a little clarity about where you were as you wrote now that I’m engaging your work as a seminary student.
I know you never met Christ, except in that vision you had that resulted in your... career change, but it seems like his death really impacted you. From prosecutor of Jesus followers to apostle to the Gentiles. Congrats on the new job though! As a friend, I know therapy probably didn’t exist when you were writing, but your work makes me think you might benefit from some. But I guess apostles will literally prosthelytize instead of going to therapy.
My concern about your well being started when I was reading your letter to the Galatians. First of all, it read a bit… disparaging? Like times were pretty hard, but I wouldn’t call it an evil age. I know, I know. I wasn’t there, but it seems way harsh. I know apocalypticism is kind of your thing though, so, do you fam. And then there’s the defensiveness. I know there are other apostles who have things to say and other ways of looking at the gospel, but you really seem to need to be the authority on things. I mean, I don’t want to say once a cop, always a cop, but… you’re kind of a cop. Anyway, if you ever need to talk about your past as a prosecutor of Jesus followers, I hope you know you can always reach out.
I am keeping you in my thoughts as I read through your letter to the Philippians. I can’t say it puts me at ease though, Paul. I’m just a few chapters in and you’re already talking about how much you want to be with Christ. I’m learning a lot in my Pastoral Care and Listening classes and if I might be so bold as to “hunch,” it sounds like you might be having some feelings around our friend Jesus. Frankly, since your potentially guilt ridden reflections have become foundational text for Christianty, I think it is only fair to read them with the knowledge that you definitely have some stuff going on.
I have so much to say to you, but this letter has already gone on too long. I have to spend some time with Peter. Don’t be jealous, Paul. You have literally everyone else’s attention all the time, not to mention half of the Second Testament is attributed to you. People may have gone so far as to write your name on their work. You have *the most* clout (that’s 2021 for “authority”).
Affirming peace and ease for you and all impacted by your words in perpetuity!
In Friendship and Curiosity,
Nova
Nova Sturrup (they/them) is a wonderer, dreamer, and sacred text enthusiast all wrapped up in an eclectic collection of multi-selves. They are a 1st year MDiv concentrating in Chaplaincy.