CAMBRIDGE — In a noteworthy new discovery, a group of biblical scholars revealed a new consensus opinion that the Apostle Paul likely suffered shipwreck so many times during his life because he failed to ask God for traveling mercies.
Though the revered missionary of the early Christian Church endured repeated hardships while spreading the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire during the first century, historians now believe that he could have saved himself a significant amount of suffering if he had simply made a habit of offering the common petition to God.
"When you're taking a trip, you ask for traveling mercies. Every Christian knows this," said Professor Jeremiah Hartford, Bible scholar and spokesman for the study group. "Considering how much the Apostle Paul went through during his missionary journeys, one must wonder why he didn't simply take advantage of making such a request of the Lord."
Other scholars concurred. "Paul endured repeated catastrophes while on his trips, yet we see no instances in his epistles asking the churches to pray for safe travels," said theologian Dr. Cornelius Blatch. "Had he just shot a quick prayer request to the Philippians before setting sail, he may have avoided floating on driftwood in the Mediterranean so many times."
Modern missionaries have taken note of Paul's reckless behavior. "Before we even back out of the driveway for a short-term trip, we ask for traveling mercies," said Pastor Jeff Davidson. "Paul probably thought he was too spiritual for that, and look where it got him. Wet."
At publishing time, scholars also theorized that Paul likely suffered repeated beatings, imprisonments, and other physical afflictions due to neglecting to ask God for a hedge of protection.
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