050: The Editing of the New Testament and the Keys to the Kingdom
Pale snowflakes gently fell from the sky upon the city of Rome.
"I believe it is necessary to compile your letters and written scrolls, editing them into a New Covenant. This will distinguish it from Judaism and serve as a new part of the Bible."
Novia spoke slowly to the people before him.
For Peter, who was listening, the word "Bible" evoked a special feeling.
Because his fate was decided back then, at the start on the Sea of Galilee, witnessed atop Golgotha.
For the former Peter, that person was his everything. He never imagined that person would one day leave him.
But on that day, the eleven apostles were forced to accept—
The Passion of Jesus.
Allowing such an existence to perish was an act of demons, an unforgivable sin.
For whom was that sacrifice? For what purpose?
If asked, that person would surely smile and say it was so the people of the world would no longer bear sin.
Precisely because of this, since then, Peter had paid close attention to Paul. Even though Paul had once openly criticized him, he still held him in high regard.
Because Paul, who had once opposed Jesus, was highly capable. He could spread Teacher Jesus's beliefs throughout the Mediterranean and the entire Roman Empire.
By normal reasoning, Peter should perhaps resent Paul, for he was the one entrusted by Jesus and should be the true leader.
But Peter did not do this, feeling he had no right.
Because, when Jesus was interrogated by the high priest of Jerusalem, out of fear, Peter three times denied any master-disciple relationship with Jesus.
Even though he was later forgiven, Peter could not tolerate himself calmly accepting such blasphemy.
The old man's cloudy eyes cleared slightly as he looked at the man who had invited them old folks to Rome to discuss Teacher Jesus's matters. The child he had seen when visiting Paul's place had now grown so much. He had accomplished deeds far surpassing theirs and avenged a grudge the eleven of them had long held in their hearts.
Novia's purpose for bringing them was simple: he hoped their letters or written scrolls could be compiled as part of the Bible. He also suggested that, if possible, each of them could take responsibility for the foundational Christian development in at least one province, as the growth was currently too rapid and unregulated.
It was dazzling. Peter slowly closed his eyes. He thought he was probably stimulated by the sunlight outside, so tears uncontrollably seeped out.
"This is how it should be..."
Peter let out a deep breath and bowed his head deeply, deeply.
"Hey, Peter, don't be so distracted. You're old now too. Today is a day for celebration."
Paul, sitting beside him, patted Peter's shoulder.
"My deepest apologies."
To prevent tears from falling, Peter gently shook his head.
"You did nothing wrong. The one who was wrong... was me."
"Not at all."
"In the past, I publicly scolded you, putting you in a difficult position."
"No, that's not true. I, whether then or now... surely..."
In Peter's blurred vision, ahead was his teacher.
"...Surely..."
That person—
"...Surely very happy. I once heard that Teacher Jesus encouraged you not to yield, to cast your net into the sea again, encouraged you to walk on water, to bravely face your own weakness, to follow Him on the path of the cross, to lay down your life for your brethren, and to shepherd His flock. So please, be happy. For the world needs more real people, not those beyond human."
"You are the undisputed rock, reliable like stone. Paul and I have always thought so. We should all aspire to be like you."
Novia smiled, speaking thus to Peter who wanted to cry.
Seeing the silver-haired boy's smile before him, Peter suddenly wanted to laugh, but if he laughed, the tears would surely flow.
Once, Jesus said to him:
I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
Hearing this reminder of his former teacher's words from this child, Peter's discouraged heart revived.
"Novia."
Peter's expression suddenly became solemn, capable of making one unconsciously quiet down.
"Please speak."
Looking at Novia, Peter saw in those sea-like blue eyes a reflection of his own confident self.
The old man looked at his hands, then finally grasped the ordinary key hanging on his chest. As if confirming its existence, he clenched it tightly in his palm.
"I have decided now. To give this... to you."
I wonder if Teacher will be angry. But ultimately, this situation isn't my doing; it's Novia's. With Teacher's character, He probably wouldn't be angry either.
Thinking this, Peter continued.
"This should have been established by you. I, who walk this path, am merely its custodian."
"...I understand."
Nova listened solemnly to Peter's words, then bent down as Peter placed upon him the 'Keys to the Kingdom' once bestowed upon Peter by the Savior Jesus.
Much like the 'staff' Martha had given him, Nova had never contemplated these items before. Their significance to their bearers was profound. Yet, just as Martha had that day, Peter looked at him with a sincere gaze—
One of trust and pride.
It was an utterly genuine, natural expression.
It always made Nova's throat feel somewhat dry, leaving him without reason to refuse.
The discussion concluded with the silent applause of those present. Afterwards, everyone would first focus on compiling the New Testament scriptures Nova had suggested editing before considering the establishment of local Christian churches in the provinces as planned.
The edited New Testament was completed nearly a century earlier than in the original history, yet its content was not vastly different: four Gospels, one book of history, and twenty-one epistles.
The only differences were likely that within the twenty-one epistles, Paul's letters made an additional mention that "Titus of Rome is a saint, succeeding Martha of Bethany," and it lacked the prophetic book—Revelation—written by the Apostle John on the island of Patmos around AD 90.
However, during the editing of the New Testament, Locusta, whom Nova had tasked Narubarek to find, was finally located.
Upon learning why he hadn't found this "mushroom girl" for so long, Nova felt both amused and somewhat pleased. It turned out that Locusta, having seen a few years prior that Christians could receive food and avoid scorn, had directly joined a church in the city and even changed her name for the occasion.
Note: I'm new to translating so please be kind and tell me any mistakes you all find, I will try to release a chapter a day but don't expect much
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