In the fourth week of our sermon series on how we read our Bibles, we are jumping into the New Testament with the letters and epistles from Paul and other authors. The reason we are starting the New Testament here instead of with the Gospels is that many of these letters actually pre-date the Gospels in terms of their authorship. You can find resources on reading and studying the Bible here.
I’m not very good at writing letters. If I’m honest, I’m not great at even writing thank-you notes. Sometimes I’ll blame it on my mostly-terrible penmanship. Those of you who have received birthday cards since my arrival may have noticed this! (Aside: even these birthday cards are hard for me & I need help with names and associations, etc.). More than my penmanship, I often feel stymied by the process of writing with a pen. It takes a long time, and my brain often moves well beyond the limits of my slow writing.
For this reason, I’m often far better with typing (as I am with this Sermon Note) and blogging and speaking. And I’m an enthusiastic texter with those in my contact list!
Even acknowledging these challenges, I see great value in letter-writing. There’s an excitement when something comes in the mail! And while I find myself challenged to take the time to write a letter on paper, I see its enormous value as I think about the time someone spent writing a letter or note to me. Letters can inspire, letters can challenge, letters can uplift, and letters can point us toward hope and love.
Acts 22:1-16
22 “Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense.” 2 When they heard him address them in Aramaic, they became even more quiet. 3 Paul continued, “I’m a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia but raised in this city. Under Gamaliel’s instruction, I was trained in the strict interpretation of our ancestral Law. I am passionately loyal to God, just like you who are gathered here today. 4 I harassed those who followed this Way to their death, arresting and delivering both men and women into prison. 5 The high priest and the whole Jerusalem Council can testify about me. I received letters from them, addressed to our associates in Damascus, then went there to bring those who were arrested to Jerusalem so they could be punished.
6 “During that journey, about noon, as I approached Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven encircled me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice asking me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you harassing me?’ 8 I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, whom you are harassing,’ he replied. 9 My traveling companions saw the light, but they didn’t hear the voice of the one who spoke to me. 10 I asked, ‘What should I do, Lord?’ ‘Get up,’ the Lord replied, ‘and go into Damascus. There you will be told everything you have been appointed to do.’ 11 I couldn’t see because of the brightness of that light, so my companions led me by the hand into Damascus.
12 “There was a certain man named Ananias. According to the standards of the Law, he was a pious man who enjoyed the respect of all the Jews living there. 13 He came and stood beside me. ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight!’ he said. Instantly, I regained my sight and I could see him. 14 He said, ‘The God of our ancestors has selected you to know his will, to see the righteous one, and to hear his voice. 15 You will be his witness to everyone concerning what you have seen and heard. 16 What are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and wash away your sins as you call on his name.’
Consider these questions:
- Are you a letter-writer? What is that experience like for you? What meaning do you assign to writing letters?
- Have you received letters? What is that experience like for you? What meaning do you assign to receiving letters?
- Do you save letters (perhaps even just one)? Why? If so, how often do you look at them? Where do you keep them? Do you take special care to protect them?
- Is there a particular letter than you find yourself returning to? If so, why this one? Why is it special?
- Have you read the letters and epistles in the New Testament? What meaning do they hold for you? Do you have a favorite letter or favorite author? Why?