The Apostolic Tradition: Paul

“Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.” Those words should raise gooseflesh across your body as they ring loudly from our televisions, digital devices, radios, podiums, streets, and even some pulpits. Outraged and offended people bent upon the destruction of their enemies protesting in the streets and before public buildings. Religious authorities exacting punishing retribution upon congregations and clergy who oppose their ideologies. While their rhetoric does not explicitly say so, their rage and violent speech cries out, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.” (Acts 22) Sound scary? Wish we could fix this fractured society? The Apostle Paul was part of the problem until he changed and became part of the solution.