Paul: Letter Carriers

I know this may seem like an obvious statement, but Paul wrote essential teachings for the church. I say it is obvious, because it is the inspired Word of God (2 Tim 3:16-17), the Word which makes you wise unto salvation (2 Tim 3:15). Within the Word is the power of salvation (Rom 1:16). It transmits doctrine, what is right, and what is not right. It transmits correction on how to get right and how to stay right. It transmits all things pertaining to life and godliness (2 Pet 1:3). Such a vital work needs the best safeguarding, right? I think about my own Bible - if I were to send it by mail, I would only send it with the most guarantees of its safety. It is wrapped, packed, and every movement is documented. I would undergo these measures because it is very precious to me.

How did Paul get his letters from his desk to the pulpits of the first century? Interestingly, we do not find Paul hand-delivering his letters, even though I am sure he counted each word as precious. Instead, Paul used brethren to pass along these vital works. Paul used Phoebe to send the letter to the Romans (Rom 16:1-2), and Tychicus and Onesimus to send letters to Ephesus, Colossae, and Philemon (Eph 6:21-22; Col 4:7-9; Phil 12). Paul used Epaphroditus to send the letter to Philippi (Phil 4:18). Paul likely used Titus as the letter carrier for his second letter to Corinth (2 Cor 7:6-16, 8:16-24), and Timothy for his first letter (1 Cor 16:10).

Paul entrusted a great work into the hands of ordinary people. It reminds me a lot of how God has entrusted to our hands the greatest work—the work of the Kingdom. It also challenges me when I consider the work of the local church - it is a work entrusted into all of the brethren's hands.

One outstanding lesson I gather from such a minor point is that the work of the church relies upon those in the foreground (Paul) and in the background (letter carriers). If the church today is to stand like the church in its prime, then the same must continue. We must carry on the outstanding work of God through the hands of ordinary people. Thank you for using your ordinary hands for God.