Paul: Misinterpreted Messenger or Teacher of Falsehood?
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I was scrolling through TikTok the other night, and videos kept popping up claiming that Paul’s writings were not in line with what Jesus taught. Naturally, I was confused. So, what does a girl with ADHD and a deep need to understand do? She reads through Paul’s letters to see what these claims are about.
Paul wrote nine letters to the churches, calling out false teachings and redirecting them back to Christ. He also wrote four letters to three individuals, guiding them in spreading Christ’s message. Throughout all of his letters, he points out what the churches were doing incorrectly and gives instructions on how to correct it. He also gives practical advice for living safely and wisely in difficult times.
For example, his guidance to women during a patriarchal society was intended to protect and empower them, not create binding laws for future generations. Understanding the historical culture and laws of the time adds essential context to his words.
Unfortunately, over time, the church cherry-picked pieces of his letters and turned them into a rigid doctrine called “Christ’s Law,” which is not what Paul was actually saying.
To help bring this into focus, I’ve written a letter in Paul’s style and tone to the modern American church, and I’ve added my own reflections as a “decipher” for each section. This letter is meant to help readers see how Paul’s heart for Christ and people applies to us today.
✉️ A Letter to the Modern American Church
(a creative reflection inspired by Paul’s tone and teachings)
Grace and peace to you, brothers and sisters in every city across this nation—those who call on the name of Jesus, who gather in sanctuaries and living rooms, who sing of grace yet long to live it more fully.
I thank God for the generosity that flows from you, for your care of the hungry, your heart for missions, and the many who quietly love their neighbors without recognition. Your good works speak louder than your debates.
Yet I appeal to you, beloved: do not let comfort dull your witness. You have built large houses of worship but have sometimes forgotten the lonely soul next door. You proclaim freedom in Christ but grow captive to entertainment, wealth, and division. Many outside your doors know your arguments more than your kindness.
My interpretation:
Yet I appeal to you, beloved: you are not showing up as you should. You have been pulled into the allure of earthly desires—comfort, wealth, approval—rather than putting Christ’s teachings first.
Return, therefore, to the simplicity of the gospel—Christ crucified and risen. Let your faith express itself through love. Measure success not by followers or budgets but by the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
My interpretation:
Return, therefore, to the Fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Do not be shocked by the darkness around you. Stand as lights in this generation, not by railing against sin, but by walking in integrity, mercy, and truth. Let your actions speak of Christ more loudly than your words. In an age of noise, be known for quiet integrity. In an age of fear, be known for mercy.
Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Guard your hearts and your homes. Discern the paths you take, the things you watch, and the voices you follow—not out of fear, but to preserve your peace and purpose in Christ. The world may challenge you, but do not allow it to steal your courage or your witness.
My interpretation:
There is shouting from the rooftops, and many voices are deceiving you into false teachings.
Remember always that you are ambassadors for Christ. Speak less of what you are against, and more of Who you are for. Invite the lost to reconciliation, show mercy to the hurting, and pray for those who oppose you. Let your life be a bridge, not a battleground.
My interpretation:
Remember who you are in Christ. Model His teachings in your daily life rather than chastising your brothers and sisters.
Do not stand alone. Encourage one another, build one another up, and pray together. You are stronger as a community of believers who remind each other of the hope you share. And remember, though the path may be difficult, your labor is never wasted. The light within you is greater than the darkness around you. The eternal reward far outweighs any temporary hardship.
My interpretation:
Keep the faith, and gather together for support.
Beloved, do not lose courage. You were not born for this hour by accident. Be faithful, be gentle, be brave. The world does not need louder voices—it needs steadier hearts. Do not bow to the idols of comfort or conformity, but also do not lose love in your defense of truth. Stand as those who know the final victory is already won.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you, may the Holy Spirit unite you, and may the love of the Father be the song that guides your days.
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