Paul did not have the benefit of meeting in a monthly Women of the ELCA group, but it sounds like he had similar experiences. And his letters may be the next best thing to being there. Through those writings he reaffirms the fellowship that he and his congregations shared. Paul encourages them (Philippians 1:6), prays for them (1 Thessalonians 1:2), challenges them (Galatians 1:6), reveals emotions to them (2 Corinthians 2:4), eats with them (1 Corinthians 10:6), teaches them (1 Corinthians 4:17), shares his story with them (Galatians 1:13–24), disagrees with them (1 Corinthians 6:7–8), and interprets Scripture with them (Galatians 4:30). The connection between Paul and his fellow believers is forged in their shared experiences and common commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
From “The Gift of Bible Study” by Audrey West, from the December 2009 issue of Lutheran Woman Today, now Gather magazine. Today we remember Peter and Paul, apostles.
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