The Influence of Romans 8 on Patrick's Mission in Ireland.

Behind the many legends accrued to the famous Saint Patrick, the real historical figure has left us two pieces of writing from late antiquity. From them we can discern a missionary bishop who had a driving passion to evangelise Ireland in the fifth century. In addition to recounting God's saving work in his own life, this remarkable, pioneering evangelist justifies his missionary endeavours using frequent citations of Scripture. Facing severe opposition and the constant risks of taking the gospel to what he regarded as 'the ends of the earth,' Patrick finds encouragement and guidance from the Bible, including the book of Romans and especially Romans 8. This article examines Patrick's writings and seeks to understand why Patrick returns to Romans 8 so frequently in them, as he reflects on his lifetime's work of mission and ministry in Ireland. This monumental chapter of Scripture enables Patrick to persevere through, at times, extreme suffering and secures Patrick's hope of future glory. Facing the hazards of a distinctly primitive time and place, Patrick turns to Romans taking consolation and support for his gospel work. Romans 8 supplies him with a theological bedrock for enduring the testing challenges of a missionary life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]