Before St. Patrick and Palladius’ mission work began, society in Ireland was tribelike and was ruled by a smaller kings or leader. There was essentially no central authority and couldn’t be considered as one cohesive unit. This would be one of many hardships for St. Patrick and Palladius to try and establish a cohesive idea or belief with a group of people with this kind of dynamic. While at the time of St. Patrick’s death Ireland was largely “Christian”, Irish Christianity had started to develop. Irish Christianity “developed as it spread into the broader phenomenon of Celtic Christianity, [and] did differ in significant ways from its continental ‘Roman’ counterpart (Madigan, 46).”

The reason St. Patrick writes his autobiography is to proclaim the great works that God has done for him. While he was captive, he claims “as a father consoles his son, so [the Lord] protected me” (67). He felt that he had no choice other than to write this autobiography and tell it to everyone. In doing so, he hoped it would show God thanks for His works that he had done for St. Patrick.

The description of his education, youth and visionary experiences complement and add depth in a way that is makes it more relatable to the common person. He clearly portrays that he is not like other men who have “drunk equally in law and sacred letters” (69). This displays a message that Christianity is attainable by anyone and to understand the Christian message does not require to have extensive education on the subject. This in turn enhances his personal authority because he has experienced it first hand. Through writing his own testimony, its showing that he has authority, experience, and the knowledge needed to teach it to others who are learning.

The autobiography includes many biblical references. By including strong biblical associations, it definitely influences the interpretation and illustrates its historical value, agenda and purpose. I would say it is expected for a Christian autobiography to include biblical associations because it is so closely connected to Christianity. A key passage that illstrates his “theological” reading of his life is that his story is not learned but “written in our hearts not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God” (70). He viewed his work, testimony and conversion as something that could be related and understood by all no matter if you are familiar with Christianity or not.

St. Patrick’s mission work had a very basic organization and wasn’t ever decalred by official authority. Similarly, Irish Christianity had very basic ecclesiastical organization, St. Patrick’s audience were those who had a leadership role or were an abbot within each tribe or monastary. St. Patrick himself had a very basic organization with his mission work. The abbot, who was a member of the clan leader’s family ruled over the monastery. If St. Patrick could convert the abbot or the leader, the message would permeate through the rest of the monastery. Those who would have found it meangingful decades after the death of St. Patrick would be the Irish monks that were “overcome with the zeal to Christianize” and dedicate themselves to evangelize and be a missionary. They would have found St. Patrick’s autobiography inspiring as well as a guide to help them with their mission work.