"But we preach Christ crucified, to the
Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are
called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of
God"
(1 Corinthians 1:23-24)
Preaching was the work of Apostle Paul's whole life. He stated himself, “For Christ did not send me to
baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of
Christ should be made of no effect” (1 Corinthians 1:17).
We know from the Book of Acts that right after Apostle
Paul’s conversion, he began to preach for the Hebrews in their synagogues that
Jesus from Nazareth was the Son of God, the Christ that had been promised to
them. Many of them were confused be that statement, while others joined the
Church: Apostle Paul knew the Scripture well and could prove that the Messiah
had come already, that He had to suffer, be killed and resurrect for our
salvation, based on the Law of Moses, the words of the prophets and psalms. Many
people were amazed when they heard him: “Is this not he who destroyed those who
called on this name in Jerusalem?” (Acts 9:21)
From the Holy Scripture, we know about four missionary
journeys of Apostle Paul. Many of his trips lasted for several years and during
that time Apostle Paul managed to establish several church communities. For his
entire life, the Apostle maintained constant contact with those communities,
sending them his letters, in which he explained the issues of Christian
teaching and guided them in morality matters.
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| Apostle Paul working on one of his letters |
Apostle Paul desired to turn all the people to Christ
so much that he even tried to ensure that there would be no obstacles to
conversion of people. That is why he did not want to burden someone and worked
with his own hands to earn for living.
There was a certain strategy in the apostle’s
preaching. He tried to preach in the largest cities first, such as Thessaloniki,
Corinth, Ephesus and others. Those cities were the capitals of the Roman
provinces, where large communities of Hebrews lived. And we know that Apostle
Paul always began his preaching about Christ for Hebrews first. Then, if they
did not accept his word, Paul addressed to pagans, since according to the
Gospel teaching, all the peoples are called to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, to
become saints and to receive what was promised by God.
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| Apostle Paul preaching in Athens |
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| Mount Areophagus |
That was the first time when the Hellene wisdom faced
the Gospel Message, the Wisdom of God, which can seem insane to people. We see
that the wisdom of people was not ready to accept the Truth. However, there
were several people who believed and turned to God through Paul’s word,
which meant that his preaching was not useless. But it would took several ages
for the Hellene wisdom to accept the Cross of Christ, this “stumbling block to
the Jews”. The seed of the Good News thrown by Apostle Paul Athens, that center of ancient wisdom, would bring much fruit, which would
feed many people seeking for the Truth. As for Apostle Paul, he would remain an
outperformed theologian and the greatest preacher of the Cross of Christ.
What St.
John Chrysostom says in his works:
“Paul was but one man, yet how many did he draw after
him? If we were all such as he, how many worlds might we not have drawn to us?
Behold, Christians are more numerous than Heathens. And in other arts, one man
can teach a hundred boys together; but here, where there are many more
teachers, and many more than the learners, no one is brought over. For those
who are taught, look to the virtue of their teachers: and when they see us
manifesting the same desires, pursuing the same objects, power and honor, how
can they admire Christianity? They see our lives open to reproach, our souls worldly.
We admire wealth equally with them, and even more. We have the same horror of
death, the same dread of poverty, the same impatience of disease, we are
equally fond of glory and of rule. We harass ourselves to death from our love
of money, and serve the time. How then can they believe? From miracles? But
these are no longer wrought. From our conversation? It has become corrupt. From
charity? Not a trace of it is anywhere to be seen. Therefore we shall have to
give an account not only of our own sins, but of the injury done by them to
others. Let us then return to a sound mind; let us watch, and show forth a heavenly
conversation upon earth. Let us say, "Our conversation is in heaven",
and let us upon earth maintain the contest".
Reflections
in the Holy Church tradition:
From Heaven,
from Christ God, thou didst receive the call, thus appearing as the preacher of
light, illuminating all with the teachings of grace; for having impugned the
worship of the written law, thou didst cause to rise the knowledge of the
Spirit for believers. Therefore, worthily thou didst ascend to the third heaven
and attained paradise. Wherefore, O Apostle Paul, intercede with Christ God to
grant forgiveness of iniquities to those who eagerly celebrate thy holy
memorial. (2nd Kathisma)
To be continued...
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