IMAGINARY LETTER TO PAUL

An imaginary letter to Paul. R.D.Ice

To Paul of Tarsus: since you have expressed a desire to join in our work here at Corinth, we felt it expedient to send you this questionnaire. Many have questioned your supposed apostleship, and we are sending this questionnaire as a means of assistance to us in checking your ideas, beliefs, teachings on subjects of importance to the worship and work of this church. Use additional sheets to answer those questions where more detail is needed.

1. Our chief elder, Eleazar of Jerusalem, read your recent letter to us. He saw that you had quoted the Greek Septuagint Version Bible extensively, rather than the Authorized Hebrew Bible. Would you comment on this.

2. Eleazar also noted that you had quoted from heathen poets in your address to the Areopagus on Mars Hill; and again in your letter to Titus. Why would you quote a non-Jew?

3. As Eleazar pointed out, there is a long history of the Scribes studying and interpreting the Word of God. You seem to be diverging from this to follow some sort of "new wine" which Jesus is alleged to have taught. Would you comment on this.

4. When Peter stood up for the separation of holiness - Jews standing apart from Gentiles - you opposed him publicly. How do you justify what you did? And we notice you have abandoned your Jewish name, Saul, for a Gentile name, Paul.

5. Since we Jews have been accused of crucifying this Jesus, how can you justify your emphasis of the cross? Doesn't this insult us and remove the focus from the God of Bethel?

6. We hear you teach that Kosher living is an option, and that the Gentiles are not required to keep Kosher. How do you justify this? God gave specific rules about clean and unclean food.

7. We are troubled by your emphasis on the "Holy Spirit" and you say you "speak in tongues more than any of us." Would you explain.

8. Our chief elder, Eleazar, is living in a loving and holy relationship with his step-mother. This emphasizes great the love and tolerance of God. Why should this be a problem for you?

We await your response to these serious questions. If you do in fact come to Corinth we will expect you to come before our Leadership and answer these charges.