I know that this may be in the running for the weirdest article title ever, but I think it’s a question worth asking. For years, I have heard people speculate about how the apostle Paul would have taken advantage of air travel, the internet or even a cell phone, but perhaps it’s appropriate to also ask how he, the mission-minded apostle, would have used social media. I would imagine this already has gotten a strong reaction in the minds of some who have avowed to not be on social media or who think such speculations are wasteful, but given how much we know about Paul from Acts and his letters, maybe we can answer this to some extent.
Given the length of many of Paul’s letters, we know he would have lots to say, though given the limited nature of posting on most platforms, he might have to keep his thoughts a bit briefer than he did in Romans or 1 Corinthians. Yet, beyond that, I think there are some things we can know for sure that Paul would have done if he had been able to use social media.
I don’t believe Paul would have used social media to promote himself (Romans 12:3). He would have used it to share the Gospel (Romans 1:16). While this would not have been the only means he would have used to share the truth about Jesus, we know Paul learned how to be all things to all people so that he could save some (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).
I don’t believe Paul would have used social media to hurt other people (2 Corinthians 2:4). He would have used it to stay connected with people for their spiritual benefit (1 Corinthians 8:1; 10:23).
I don’t believe Paul would have used social media to spread gossip (Romans 1:29). He would have used it to pray for people and to request prayers from fellow Christians (1 Thessalonians 5:15-18).
I don’t believe Paul would have used social media to compare any political leader to Christ or to Satan (Romans 13:1-7). He would have respected his Roman citizenship while also recognizing his higher citizenship under the Kingship of Christ (Philippians 3:20).
I don’t believe Paul would have used social media to condone sin (1 Thessalonians 5:22; 2 Timothy 2:19). He would have used it to reprove, rebuke and exhort his brothers and sisters (2 Timothy 4:2).
I don’t believe Paul would have used social media to cause people to question what Christians really care about (Colossians 4:5; Titus 2:8). He would have used it to encourage people, especially his brothers and sisters (Galatians 6:9-10).
Maybe it’s silly to speculate about how Paul would have used social media, but it’s not silly to evaluate how we are using it. If we are on social media and are not using it in a manner that glorifies God, then let’s take down our accounts or remove our affiliations with the Lord’s people from our profiles. If we are on social media and are using it to glorify God, then please continue to let your light shine. I believe this is what Paul would do and more importantly what God would have us to do.
