Group 5– Patrick, Confessio

Published on: Author: jenessaf@uoregon.edu Leave a comment

Patrick wrote his autobiography to “return thanks to God,” by “[bearing] witness to his wonderful works.” His other reason for writing his story was to spread the gospel message to those who don’t know it by his story and by promoting others preach the gospel.

Patrick was fearful to write his autobiography because of the lack of education he received in comparison to other men. His lack of wisdom is something that is reminiscent of Paul. In one of Paul’s letters to the church in Corinth he explains that the gospel is a powerful message despite the lack eloquent speech used. “When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:1-2) Paul’s words started many churches, but his speech was not full of wisdom compared to worldly standards. So was the hope of Patrick to bring the gospel to people without “lofty words,” like Paul did in his time. Patrick most likely knew this passage well because of his evident use of Paul’s letters throughout his autobiography.

Patrick’s addition of his life as a youth shows his transformation from a child “ignorant of the one true God” to his maturity into a Christian. He describes himself as a “stone lying in the deepest mire,” and later to be “raised up” by God into a better life. This story he tells deepens the understanding of his gratitude toward God and his reasons for writing his autobiography. Patrick’s visions that he includes in his autobiography also explain his thankfulness to God for his presence and his sovereignty in situations. His visions also give him more authority because to other Christians it seems that he had been chosen by God for a special mission and is therefore an important authoritative figure.

Patrick’s use of Paul’s letters in his autobiography gives his writing more authority because by this point in time Paul’s letter had become recognized authoritative scripture. His use of Paul’s words throughout his story not only gives his autobiography authority, but the addition of Paul’s teachings brings parallels between Patrick’s life and Paul’s life.  Both were brought from sinful lives to lives dedicated to Christ. Patrick and Paul both spread the gospel and further established Christianity. Also they both were persecuted for spreading the gospel; Patrick was taken captive and imprisoned, while Paul was imprisoned many times. Paul and Patrick both had visions from God about where to go to spread the gospel. (Act 16:9) Both of them remained ascetic during their lives. The parallel between these two men’s lives emphasizes the Celtic Christian values. Both, Paul and Patrick, taught and lived ascetic missionary lifestyles which were ideal for Celtic Christians.

Patrick’s autobiography seems to be meant for other Celtic Christians as he continuously mentions that the gospel must be spread to the end of the earth. It also seems that it could be for non-believers, in which his story could impact their lives. His autobiography was probably still meaningful to other Christians after his death as he continued to inspire Christians to spread the gospel.

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