Stephanos is a Christian who was baptised by Paul some time ago. Christodoulou is a new convert. Stephanos also reads the passage.

Stephanos: We have mail (brandishing a scroll).

Christodoulou: Ooh! Who from?

Stephanos: It’s from Paul. It arrived only yesterday.

Christodoulou: I just hope it isn’t as upsetting as his last one. Some of our house group vowed they wouldn’t listen to him any more, only to a proper apostle.

Stephanos: But Paul is a good guy. I remember when he first came to Corinth he baptised our whole household. He really changed our lives when he spoke of the ‘good news’ of Jesus.

Christodoulou: But what does he really know of Jesus himself? After all, he didn’t know him like Peter or the other apostles who spent all that time with him. We know he claimed to have a great encounter on the Damascus road, but he never met Jesus in the flesh! What’s more, he doesn’t have a very good teaching style. Not like Apollos – now there’s a preacher and teacher!

Stephanos: Paul answers these criticisms in this letter. You should read it. It’s full of passion. It shows that we are constantly in his heart and in his prayers. He pleads with us not to forget what he first taught us. He does not want to promote himself, he just wants people to know Jesus and the power of his death and resurrection. Go on, read it. I have another copy. Share it with your group. It saddens me, and I am sure it is heart-breaking for Paul, that we Christians in Corinth are so divided.

Christodoulou: (sighs) Okay, I’ll do it. I hope the others listen. (He takes the scroll and walks off.)

Stephanos: (aside) Oh Paul, if only you were here. (Reads 2 Corinthians 4.5-12 in full.)