Posted on 08/01/2019 9:03:46 AM PDT by Salvation
For many years, the image I had of St. Paul was that of a bold evangelist who went from town to town teaching and preaching powerfully about Christ. I envisioned his audience mesmerized as he preached and took on his opponents.
I ultimately altered my view a bit based on scriptural descriptions, some of which we are currently reading in the Office of Readings. I have no doubt that he was a brilliant theologian. Paul was reputed to have been one of the greatest students of one of the greatest rabbis of the time, Gamaliel (Acts 22:3). I also do not question his zeal for Christ, and I can picture that fervor reflected on his face as he preached and taught. However, it would seem that Paul was not in fact recognized as a particularly gifted preacher. Consider the following texts from Scripture:
The key element to glean from this passage is that people regarded Paul as rather humble in person but in contrast quite bold and assertive in his letters. This does not paint the picture of a bold, fearsome preacher.
Here is even clearer evidence that some (though surely not all or even most) thought of Paul’s presence and preaching as weak and of no account. The Greek phrase λόγος ἐξουθενημένος (logos exouthenhmenos), translated here as “speech contemptible,” can also be translated as “words or speech of no account,” or “words or speech to be despised.” Of course, because Paul himself is reporting this, he may well be exaggerating the perception of his preaching out of a kind of humility. However, this is further evidence that Paul may not have been a highly gifted or bold preacher, at least from a worldly perspective.
The identity of the “superapostles” is debated, but there is wide agreement that it does not refer to the twelve apostles chosen by Christ. Rather, Paul is likely alluding to itinerant preachers of the time, most of whom were well known for their oratorical skills. Some of them may have been Judaizers who opposed Paul, but it would seem that they could draw a crowd. Perhaps they are somewhat like the revivalists of today. Paul seems to acknowledge that he is not a great speaker but refuses to concede that he is inferior to anyone in knowledge of the faith.
Paul claims no “clever” oratorical skill; rather, he underscores his lack of eloquence to emphasize that the power is in the cross of Christ.
Luke describes Paul as talking “on and on.” The sermon seems to have put the young Eutychus right to sleep, and results in his falling three flights to his death. Paul runs down and raises him from the dead. (All in a night’s work, I guess!) Paul then goes back upstairs to complete the Mass. It is a humorous and touching anecdote in many ways, but it is also a story that illustrates the somewhat soporific effect of Paul’s preaching.
So, it would seem that Paul did not possess great oratorical. This is somewhat surprising given his astonishing missionary accomplishments, but we must avoid superficiality in understanding the power of God’s Word. The power is in God; the battle is His. We may prefer to listen to skilled speakers, but God can write straight with crooked lines and make a way out of no way. If God could speak through Balaam’s donkey (see Num 22:21), He can speak through us, too.
Avoiding Superficiality – As a priest, I work hard to develop my preaching skills because I think the people of God deserve this. In the end, though, none of us should ignore the fact that God can speak in and through the humblest of people and in the most unlikely circumstances. Paul may not have had the rhetorical skills we think he should have had, but he was blessed with many other gifts. He was a brilliant theologian, had amazing zeal and energy, and was committed enough to walk thousands of miles and endure horrible sufferings so that he could proclaim Christ crucified and risen. Paul was also a natural leader and one of the most fruitful evangelizers the Church has ever known. We tend to prize oratorical skill and force of personality, but there is obviously more to evangelizing effectively than eloquence and charisma.
Our culture—particularly since the advent of television, radio, and the Internet—has come to focus primarily on personal magnetism and the ability to “turn a phrase.” The ability to communicate well is surely a great gift, but there are many others as well. In valuing certain gifts over others, we risk injustice and superficiality. The Church needs all our gifts.
What gifts do you have? God can use them!
Monsignor Pope Ping!
That's funny, right there!
What gifts do you have? God can use them!
My wife and kids would certainly attest that I
can talk just about anyone unconscious.
7
“Paul then goes back upstairs to complete the Mass.” What is that I am always reading from FR Catholics about opinion sneaking in as if evidentiary thus not valid? The passage says Paul broke bread. PERIOD.
Which ‘church’ does the writer refer to, the body of all believers since Pentecost, or the Catholic Org?
define poor
Paul is much taken for granted because in this age he is thought
to be the super apostle, however any one who reads what he says
can see it the way it was.
2 tim. 1:15 Paul tells Timothy that those in Asis had forsaken him
meaning left his teaching.
1 Corinthians 9:2
If I am not an apostle to others, probably meaning the churches in
Asia.
Paul was also having problems with the church at galatia which was his
Purpose for writing them, he was plainly putting the other apostles down.
He was a slow learner.
The "breaking of bread" IS the Mass, PERIOD. The problem with Protestants is they don't believe the Bible, despite their constant "protestation" that it is the whole basis of their worship.
So when Jesus broke bread with his Apostles he was performing a Mass as the Catholic Church does.
Pretty impossible as Peter who was the first “Pope” was one of the Apostles yet I cannot find any reference in any scripture of the rituals of this church being mandated or performed other than by their members post the creation of it.
Which is why "Sola Scriptura" is invalid. The record of the early Church Fathers is completely clear on the origin and practice of the Mass from the very earliest historical records we have. "I can't find it in Scripture" is a complete copout.
The breaking of bread and sharing of wine (Body & Blood) at the Passover Feast (Seder) is in scripture indeed, and that is where the practice starts just before the Crucifixion
Indeed it is. But there is also post-scriptural evidence as well. Protestants believe neither. The whole reason for the establishment of the diaconate was to allow the Apostles (and their ordained successors) more time for the Mass.
God changed things in the New Covenant....that's why it is "New". He can do that. Scripture is VERY clear on this, in words given by Christ himself. "If you do not eat the Flesh of the Son of Man, and drink His Blood, you do not have life within you."
"That same admonition was repeated by the first Great Ekklesia Council in their letter to the new believers.
I suspect this "admonition" refers to sacrifices to idols and has nothing to do with the Mass. Let's see your quote from said Council.
I am as you call me a “Protestant” but I claim no religion even as an ordained minister, but of Faith. The only “church” mentioned in scripture is The Body of Christ
We can go on over this if you like, but I choose to help souls not stand on a contruct that all other churches other than the Catholic Church are false
I know exactly what and Why Yeshua performed this and Communion with him is a sacred act. I attended a service at a Roman Catholic Church in my early teens and I had been taking communion for years but was refused even though it was Easter Sunday as I was not a “member”. I am a member of God’s family and you have no authority otherwise to deny it to me, if it means I am not a member of your religion so be it
Better...just read Justin.
Or better....read Scripture.
Who ordained you, if you claim no religion? A burning bush?
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