by Jims | March 4th, 2010
Patrick, although legendarily Irish, was born in Scotland sometime around the year 372. Entering the world in a time when preaching declined in its content and prominence in society due to the perception of the preacher as priest instead of prophet, Patrick ordained hundreds of preachers, gave order to the church, and baptized thousands. At age sixteen, still unconverted and unconcerned about matters of religion, Patrick the son of a deacon and grandson of a priest, was taken captive and placed into slavery in Ireland. Converted while in slavery, Patrick eventually escaped, and later returned to Ireland with a passion to change the barbaric society.
Patrick battled on many theological fronts including Arianism of the 4th century and Pelagianism of the 5th century. Educated in Gaul for his ministry in Ireland, Patrick never developed a reputation as a scholar or theologian. He often received criticism from other scholars regarding the danger he faced trying to fight his enemies with so little knowledge of God. Patrick did know his Bible, both Old and New Testament, and this knowledge enabled him to shift the tide in Ireland away from nature and idol worship to Christ centered worship. A belief in the sovereignty to God in all matters enabled him to accept the many setbacks that came, which eventually produced a fruitful and influential ministry.
Although none of Patrick’s sermons remain, the impact of his preaching is clearly seen throughout Ireland. His persuasive, determined preaching was used to inspire 1000’s in Ireland to abandon paganism and accept the word of Jesus in just one generation. Using one of his two remaining writings, Confessio, as a model, it is accepted that Patrick adopted a biblical method of preaching, weighing heavily on New Testament passages that referenced the Old Testament.
Patrick took his preaching ministry throughout Ireland and reshaped the religious climate of the nation. Patrick’s style could at times take on an angry and violent tone with measures of indignation over the barbaric ways of the Irish. The Catholicism learned at Patrick’s feet continues to dominate Irish culture. Patrick’s religious influence on Ireland has stood through persecution, wars, and famine. The remains of this influence serve as a testimony to significant impact of his ministry.
Patrick serves as a model in one primary way for us today. His return to Ireland to preach the gospel, after finding his freedom from slavery is a picture of obedience. Is this not the call of every believer? We have been set free from the chains of sin, and are called to return to the places of our captivity in order to preach the message that will set others free. Patrick could have enjoyed a life of “growing in Jesus” without risks or threat of persecution. However, with an open Bible, he saw no other option but crossing back over enemy lines and voicing the one Truth that alone, changed Ireland.
