"Those Lettervangelists have got nerve, coming into people's homes like they do."

Simon stroked his beard and nodded, adding, "I heard Paul is an alias for Saul, the great persecutor of the church. Can you believe that? Now, he sends out letters claiming to be an apostle?"

"You don't say. Doesn't surprise me though. I heard he's in trouble with the law wherever he goes. He is sure to give us a bad name. They need to lock him up."

"They tried, but there was some kind of trouble in the prison and he escaped. Probably paid off the guards with all that money he takes from the people. And speaking of money, I saw one of those letters and he actually asked for money. Of course, it was supposed to go to the church in Jerusalem, but I bet he used it to buy a new horse."

Joseph shook his head in disgust and kicked at the sand. "It's truly disgraceful. They're all getting into it. I've seen letters from James and Matthew, Peter, and even John. Of course, you know the Lettervangelists appeal to the ignorant and the Gentiles."

"I know. I heard people actually think that if they put a handkerchief from Paul on the sick, it will heal them. What a scam. Truly, only the foolish would fall for that."

"That's nothing. I saw people running to get in Peter's shadow so they could be healed. Who do they think they are? I mean, how ridiculous to think if you get in a man's shadow you're going to be healed." Joseph spat on the ground in disgust."

"Well, I talked to my Aunt Ruth and she said someone died of boredom listening to Paul. The poor lad fell out of the window. Of course, Paul's followers say he brought the boy back to life. They'll believe anything. I think we need to do something about it."

"Like what, Simon? We tried to get the Gentiles circumscribed. But no, Paul said they didn't have to. It's heresy that's all there is to it. I believe it should stay the way we have always believed. You have got to follow the rules."

"Yes, yes. I agree. If we don't stop those Lettervangelists, they'll ruin the whole thing."

"Well, fortunately I think it will pass. After a few years, who is going to read those letters anyway?"

By Patricia Carroll

Online Extra, November 2004