Greetings from the Apostle Paul

This post appeared in the March 25, 2022, issue of the Branson Globe.

Recently I received a promotional blog post, “How to craft an email greeting in a difficult situation.” Intrigued, I read the post; the advice was actually helpful—it included suggestions for communicating genuine interest in the recipient’s well-being and saying something upbeat before diving into the tough parts. It made me wonder if the blog writer had learned some lessons from the Apostle Paul. 

Much of the New Testament consists of letters—many from Paul to churches he helped establish; some from apostles Peter and John; one each from Jesus’ brothers James and Jude. None of those letters were written during easy times for early Christians; rather, there was serious persecution going on, struggles with immoral pagan influence, and sometimes disagreement among church members. 

I’m intrigued, though, by the openings to the letters. In most of them, the writer states his name, usually referring to himself as an apostle or a servant of Jesus Christ; John simply refers to himself as “the elder,” and Jude also refers to himself as “James’s brother.” This establishes authority, but also humility; the writer only has authority because he has been with Jesus. Some remind the reader in more detail what Jesus has done for them—his coming as Messiah, his sacrificial death, and his resurrection. 

Next are the greetings. Likely a customary courtesy of wishing the recipient well, the most often-used words in the Biblical letters are “grace and peace,” appearing in every one of Paul’s letters, both of Peter’s, and one of John’s. Several also wish the recipient “mercy.”  

Think about that. Paul often wrote from prison; he had experienced persecution and beatings and likely knew other Christians would suffer, yet he wished them grace and peace. Grace to stand up under pressure. Grace to work toward unity with other Christians. Grace to confront believers who persisted in sin. Peace, trusting that no matter what, God was in control of the outcome. Mercy, helping others and showing love as Jesus did.   

We can also learn from earlier generations in our own personal and national history. In the famous letter written the night before the first Battle of Bull Run, Major Sullivan Ballou reassured his wife that 1) he was confident he was fighting for a worthy cause, and 2) he was comfortable leaving the outcome to God. Can we say the same? 

My mom’s scrapbook has letters and cards written during WWII, some from soldiers serving in the conflict and others between friends, sisters, and cousins on the home front. Many contain encouragement of God’s goodness and support for the Allied cause. A few are light-hearted, making the best of rationing and other difficulties. All have closing assurances of love and prayer. At least one of those soldiers, though, didn’t make it home; another came home minus an arm, and one after several months in a prison camp. 

Let’s face it, world circumstances right now aren’t the best. We don’t know how much longer we have before Christ returns. But can we all take a lesson from Paul and the other New Testament writers, flooding our social media with wishes for grace, mercy, and peace? Reassurances of prayer? Graciously encouraging friends who aren’t following Christ to turn to him? Maybe even picking up pen and paper for a handwritten note, a rarity nowadays? 

Grace and peace to you!