The Holy Priest-Martyr Patrick, Bishop of Prussa, and Those with Him (361- 63)
Acts 14:20-27; John 9:39-10:9
Read Acts 14:20-27
Christ is risen! Truly, He is risen!
Paul had been preaching to pagans in Lystra, extorting them to stop offering sacrifice to idols, but did not convince them. Then, a group of Jews arrive, stone Paul, and drag him out of the city thinking he was dead.
Paul had been unsuccessful in Lystra trying to convert the pagans and was stoned nearly to death by Jews, yet, upon gaining his senses, went right back into the city. Into the den. Into the warzone. He went to other places and continued to preach the Gospel, strengthen the faithful, and remind them of the trials that must be endured in order to enter the kingdom of God.
Paul shows incredible energy and apostolic zeal in his activities. He shows energy in constantly going from place to place to preach the Gospel and encourage the faithful. He shows his zeal in being willing to go right back into the place where he was nearly killed by people who were opposed to the Gospel.
Perhaps this is why Paul is THE apostle. He is THE example of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ.
So, ask yourself: Where is my energy? Where is my zeal? Am I willing to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to people around me? Am I willing to endure trials and tribulations, because of my preaching, in order to enter the Kingdom of God and bring others around me into the Kingdom?
Sometimes we get too comfortable. But Paul gives us the example of the energy and zeal required to be a true apostle of Jesus Christ.