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INCREASING DANGER ON THE WAY
St. Paul Must Go to Athens
ET, FINALLY, more threats forced our saint away
By pleas set forth by anxious friends who pray
No harm to come to him. Berea still
Had not all felt the flames, nor would until
The others spread the truth who there remained
While Paul went on ahead, they stayed and strained
To teach the way in land where church was young.
When faint farewells had sweetened every tongue,
The good knight steals to Athens, hid by night,
Awaiting when their force could reunite.
Within the city, Paul employed his time
To see the mighty center where, in prime,
The woman Wisdom beckoned with her cry.
He saw th’Acropolis, which might scrape sky,
But based with shrines to make attention fold.
St. Paul Preaches on Mars Hill
HROUGHOUT THAT realm were worshipped forms of gold
And silver, wood and stone. Appalled, our Paul
Accosts the synagogue, in which he calls
The name of Christ, and to the marketplace
Where bread was valued more than wisdom’s grace,
He shared his bread, the Way, his Kingly Christ,
And living resurrection. Among things priced
More highly than his words, his words were sent.
The Epicur’ans hear, while hesitant,
The Stoics blink at light come ’gainst their shade,
“Perhaps this man but babbler may be,
Or foreign priest?” Their curiosity
So lit, they summoned Paul to Hill of Mars
And asked, “What bring you to this market ours?”
At this, he breathed a cautious breath and sent
A prayer that God would speak, Paul represent.
He asked that words would blow down from above
That wisdom shine to those who wisdom love.
“I have perceived that all of you here dwell
Religious,” spoke to Stoics he as well
As Epicureans. “For here I see
Are idols more than e’er could numbered be,
E’en one inscribed ‘O Unknown Deity’.
And to this ignorance, you made a throne.
Yet, I have come to make God solely known.
This God crafts all that is both gold and stone
And so transcends these things, you must admit,
And neither dwells in silver nor wood split
By hands of men, which make weak wood submit.
Thus, men craft shrines, but God has crafted men
Of but one man, from whom we all descend,
And since ’fore time, His providence has been
To every man, that even th’most remote
Could seek Him in their dark. Your poets wrote,
‘In him, we live and move’ Another quote:
‘We are His offspring.’ How can you be born
From that which you create? Yet, you adorn
Your homes and roads with statues you should scorn.
But time has come to know what poets meant.
The Lord commands that you should now repent
For day draws nigh when mercy shall seem spent
And justice come by He who God has said
He would appoint to judge the quick and dead—
The first to Rise from death, who struck death’s stead
As evidence come forth from true Godhead.”
Mixed Responses
For some was resurrection too benign:
And some, rejecting logic’s words, malign
The One True God, while some but piece their own
Philosophies ’round words which stood alone.
Yet, some believe as every doubt succumbs,
And th’orphaned truth they know and dearly love
Unites, again, with Father hers above.
These men and women followed Paul and learned.
But all the council else, his teaching spurned.
Though he rejoiced that some were led by grace,
Our Paul would bring no more to marketplace.
Good Lord, flood lifeblood all the Way to Rome,
To kingdom heart from knightly catacomb.
Chapter 2
In Which the Knights Venture to Corinth and What they Found There
First sight of Artemis in Corinth
AUL LEAVES the realm for Corinth, as he must,
Buoyed by sacking th’Aeropagus.
And thus, in sailing ‘cross the ancient sea,
Paul felt the rustling wind with joyful glee.
And, ending composition of a prayer,
Began composing self for foreign air.
Beyond the sails, billowing with might,
The city Corinth mounted to his sight.
A shrine breaks first, dark peak above seascape,
Of Artemis, who hunts true love to rape.
That temple to a toppling, horrid vice
Of plucking love despoiled from love’s true price
Came looming toward undaunted Paul who knew
That ’gainst such po’er was naught that he could do.
But, Paul knew well he’d done no good, alone,
E’er trusting God to break that idol stone.
Th’atrocity would, being dashed, return
To earth, the first and last that it could earn.
St. Paul's Arrival and Friends
Arriving, Paul meets more of his same clan:
Aquila and Priscilla, lately banned
From empire’s heart. The Roman, Claudius,
Had banished all the Jews, unjust and just.
But, sparks of spirit’s gospel far have blown,
And tales of Pentecost in Rome are known.
Thus, both these Jews had holy patronage,
Far more than patriarch gave heritage.
The Lord employed their hands alike to Paul’s
Which fast he finds, and joins their Kingly call.
“I, too, support myself by stitching tents,
Though shan’t make rich, it leaves the church its pence.
Besides, the rich for Christ through needle pass.
We, pulling threads, such painful wealth bypass.”
So, woman, “Wealthless work we won’t impede.
For, we, like you, forget the thirst of greed.
In Rome, beheld we gold and precious ore
Which will do good for nothing, but to store
The things which dying men must leave behind.
They seek by glory t’be immortal kind.
These Romans hunger after honest worth.
And yet, I think their glory thirst in dearth.
Their appetite ought be more highly set:
Those who reflect God’s glory, glory get.
For, who with back to sun can clear be seen?
And can the one made mirror, returning beam
Remain unlit, himself, in glory God’s?
Poor Romans, seeking glory in false frauds!
If Latin Law allowed us back within,
We’d bear back mirrors, and show their saddest sin.”
To Rome!
The speech shook Paul, down deep in lifeblood’s core
And, suddenly, the Spirit shook him more
And sparked within his heart a kindling fire
So, every beat breathed whispers which require.
“I’ll go to Rome. I’ll bear the message, there,
Good lady, suddenly I’ve come aware
That God has bid me preach as you would do
Through speech of yours! Why, so the deed you do!
Good Lord, flood lifeblood all the Way to Rome,
To kingdom heart from knightly catacomb!
Oh, Rome, I’ll see you shock awake and gasp
And breathe in gulps and truest glory grasp!”
And Paul remained with them in Corinth long,
He served the church and swelled the holy throng,
Awaiting days when Rome should join the song.
Chapter 3
Of the Founding of the Church in Corinth
St. Paul Awaits His Companions
EREA KEPT fine Silas, and the youths
Who tend and faithful stoke the flames of truth.
In morning hours, Paul would early rise
To pray that God would keep his comrades wise
And teach the doctor Luke to speak of Christ,
And Timothy to lead when not advised,
That all could quickly come through Corinth’s gate
And bear the banner ’gainst the pagans’ fate.
The months now shook that confidence in Paul
That mighty Aphrodite fast would fall.
The Companions Arrive
Again: Rise, sun, and shine upon the man
Who pled and knelt fore your day’s course began.
And shine again on wind-blown, brimming sails
Which bear the mighty vessel by the gales
Of sudden storms come from Berean lands
To bring to Corinth church Paul’s faithful band.
Now, shine your light, and let arrival show,
And let Saint Paul of answered prayer now know.
Oh, see him find the ship approaching dock,
And with him, let his comrades homeward walk.
You, sun, must set before their tales are through
More light than yours does God’s work here imbue.
Preaching in the Synagogue
But, early morning, Paul does rise again,
And now, t’announce his King, does not refrain.
But they who in the synagogue Paul saw,
Those Pharisees and teachers of the law,
Abusive grew, and pulled apart Paul’s crowd,
Until he torn his robes and breathed out loud,
“Enough of stiffened necks, I know the will
Of God, which now to Gentiles He’ll fulfill.”
And Paul stepped out and went across the way
From synagogue to house where Gentiles stay,
As owned by Titus Justus, worshipper
Of Kingly Christ, and there Paul ministered.
A Faith-filled Priest
NE MAN had listened in the synagogue,
And followed Paul when came that epilogue.
The Pharisees who saw him go exclaimed,
“There goes our temple’s ruler, and its fame!”
But won’t detain the man for fear they might
Attract attention to his course of flight.
Immediate, he crossed on way to Paul,
Beseeching him in unclean Gentile hall,
“Dear follower of Christ, you’ve proved your word
That our Messiah came, and all I’ve heard
Has led me to believe this grace is given.
How might my family have our sins forgiven?”
The Comforter Speaks
Then, in that Gentile house were many taught
The way of Christ, sans haughty word and thought.
So, every class and kin were there washed clean
Through faith to hope in charity unseen.
So oft had Paul beheld such stunning starts,
That fast he grew to fear he’d soon depart,
For opposition always rose to freeze
The progress Paul could build upon his knees.
The questions o’er when fury would force flight,
Distressed his slumber every waking night.
At last, the Lord encouraged sleepless eyes,
“Fear not, my knight, for I have heard your sighs:
Remember I am with you everywhere,
Continue discourse, never let the air
Grow still. No man alive or dead can harm
The knight round whom I place My shielding arm.
Believers dwell here — more than you can know,
Yet less than would, if preaching you forego.
Be brave, my hard-got child, and know the truth:
That I can use the weak, the shy, the youth
Who lays himself before Me, humble bowed,
Once with the Holy Ghost him I’ve endowed.”
Thus, God with mercy set Paul’s mind at ease,
So that he slept again, in peaceful breeze.
But, when the heavens welcomed back the sun
Which shone on shrine and where the galleons run
The blaze found dust embarking in a cloud
Behind Saint Paul, who went forth never proud
But ever bold, emboldened by the King
Who stoked the fire within his Royal ring
Indefatigable St. Paul
ND EVERY day, at every sunlit hour,
Paul strode those streets and preached the highest power.
One year, and then another half, he'd stay
And love the Corinth folk who took the way.
But still, his Jewish foes more jealous shrank
And fought both lawful and through methods rank.
But fruitless were their efforts, full of gall,
For fruitful bloomed the ministry of Paul.
He willed the world to shock awake and gasp
And breathe in gulps and truest glory grasp.
Chapter 4
Of the Exploits of Ephesus and What the Spirit Did There
The Anointing of Ephesus
UT, TIME came full when knights should travel on,
And spread the gospel whence it had not gone.
While on the way, in Ephesus was found
Not name of Holy Ghost nor Jesus crowned,
But many eager waiting further news
Who knew but John the Baptist, hitherto.
So, Spirit led, and knight announced his Lord,
“The baptist preached repentance to afford
Your readiness for Christ, the Kingly One.
To cleanse your sins, the Lord has sent His Son.
Now, He has sent His Spirit to the saints
Now, sin can no more be your soul’s constraint.”
Ephesian ears were ready, hearing all,
And, thus enthralled, they test the words of Paul
To find that every one was right employed
And then, when baptized, they were overjoyed.
But slow, a darkness crept around the light
Which, monstrous, frightens some to faithless flight.
The Jews set ice in isolated hearts,
Which ever melts fore flames the Spirit starts.
They ne’er deterred the ones who walked the Way,
But sacrilege kept storming Paul away
From preaching more within the synagogue
He, like in Corinth, prized his crumbs for dogs.
Such wonder lit its way across the land
That cloth was brought to touch Paul’s healing hand
And taken far to touch tormented flesh,
Diseased departed, demon-stays were threshed.
Deceiving the Demons
The sons of chief priest Scheva this beheld,
And, understanding name of Christ expelled
Immod’rate humors, diabolic fiends,
They thought their own great glory could be gleaned.
They made a show of casting demons out
By name of Christ and Paul (whose truth they doubt).
Such power in the name succeeds, although
The hearts of exorcists remained below.
Thus, greatly was their fame spread out to all.
One day, a shrunken widow came to call
And beg their help against a mighty brute
In single son, which left both destitute.
"But, Who are You?"
But when the false knights met the ravaged man,
And shouted, “Out! In Christ’s name we demand!
And in the name of the apostle Paul
Who out of men, the countless demons calls.”
Theatrically, the hypocrites decree
But, this fierce devil their cool weakness sees.
“The name of Christ I know, and that of Paul,
But you are neither, so, no one at all.”
Possessed and violent, demon-within-man
Attacked the sons like brute barbarian,
And tears their flesh and clothing with such haste
That every one fled naked, bloody-faced.
Nothing Without God's Will
No one denied the tongues which bore this tale,
For many saw them flee and curse curtail.
With quote from demon that it feared Paul’s Christ,
Great flames blew through the land and more enticed
To turn from wicked course and sorcery,
Confess their sins and burn their blasphemy.
Such was the way the Holy Spirit sought
To use the trick that Scheva’s sons had wrought.
And Paul’s good work within th'Ephesian church
Gave calm to those who for the answer search.
But, Paul was wrapping work in Ephesus,
Now, Holy Spirit’s urging fire insists,
That he move further up and further in
To heart of Rome to wrest their hearts from sin.
Chapter 5
In Which St. Paul, Once Again, Rouses the Anger of the Dark-Hearted
What Demetrius Did
HILE MANY hearts glowed gold in Ephesus,
One heart but bent to ore. Demetrius
Brought fellow craftsmen, losing in their purse
By profits from vast Artemis, grown worse.
“The teachings of this Paul of Jesus pose
A threat to us, and means of wealth oppose.
If he continues calling idols fell
Our worth will end; we’ve nothing else to sell.”
No eye would raise to mirror back his own
Though all agreed, a fight they can’t condone
For riches rarely hold the throne in view,
Though many secret sneak it thereunto.
Demetrius could see the bashful glance
Of men who favor mammon’s dominance,
“But, of course, I have not touched the center
Causing us to fight the bold dissenter:
Money is no cause, but introduction
To lead us to the body, the production.
Artemis commands our zealous idols
Ceasing thus can’t be but suicidal!
None is mighty like our Artemis
Ne’er let worship cease in cowardice!
Our conclusion forces us to fight.
Wrest the preacher into blackest night!”
An Attack against St. Paul's Company
Now, pounded on the walls that pagan crew
Who had their naked Croesus hid from view.
And, manly, marched the streets while forging zeal,
While shouting ’gainst the God of forgéd steel.
Cacophony erupts against the way,
As craftsmen, shouting, lead the mob astray.
They rage and rove and shout “For Artemis!”
Till all men followed hidden avarice.
Emboldened ignorants take friends of Paul
And bear them to the theatre’s great hall.
With shouts and yelps and accusations fired,
(While most in mob ne’er knew what had transpired).
And some, in anger shout and point around
While many did not know what name to sound
And most knew not why they were there, at all.
St. Paul Seeks to Save His Friends
The news of captive comrades triggers Paul
Declaring, “I'll to them, and trust the Holy Ghost
Will move His strength to stop this idol host.”
Sincerest friends confined him with their plea
Afraid that vicious mob might violent be.
The mob within cries, “Great is Artemis
Of the Ephesians!” Paul, appalled at this,
Does champ the bit, all eager ’gainst the reigns,
For unsaved sake. But, for saved’s sake remains.
Two hours listens knight of Godly call;
Two hours, chants to idols fill the hall.
Officials baptized, living in the way,
Send word to Paul, more urging him to stay.
Still splenative, at last the crowd subsides
For throats grow hoarse, when humors health outstrides.
Why this Riot?
T LAST, they hear the city clerk beseech:
They must stop rant and of their motives teach.
“Ephesians, all, why do you make defense
Against these men who ne’er attack commence?
I knew before your shouts of Artemis,
Her greatness and her gift of heaven’s bliss.
Yet, you defend as through they robbed and broke
And even ’gainst our fairest idol spoke.
Demetrius, if you have some complaint,
Then plea proconsul aid, but with constraint.
Now, break your mob apart and send them back
To where they worked before your rich attack.”
St. Paul Departs Ephesus
The time had come for Paul to leave their town,
His presence there made only conflict, now.
Ephesians parted, full of warmth and joy
And prayed for God to bless him in employ.
This way did Paul walk far on God’s behalf.
By now, Paul’s very name impassioned half
The world to hatred, half to sweetest prayer,
And fame was curse, which haunted everywhere.
The Jews pursue and hound him in their wrath.
To Macedonia they force his path.
Soon, Paul meets Timothy, and Luke, as well,
Who leave for Troas as their King compels.
Paul’s heart bent homeward, to Jerusalem,
But, breaking bread in Troas first must come.
Chapter 6
Of the Miracles in Troas and the Dead Raised to Life
A Late Night Sermon
ROM DAWN of week, until its sweet Sunday,
He stayed to preach the passion of the Way
When, finally, the final night arrived,
Paul preached at length, and he at last contrived
To light the candles, burn the midnight oil
And, even later, lengthen joyful toil.
Sleepful Listener
Each present eye was rapt on preaching Paul,
Though one man’s eyelids slow began to fall.
Their owner walked across the warm-aired room
To lean at window, and cold air consume
But interest and effort fail him
And what the words enkindled now grew dim.
He missed some meanings, words went floating by
His vision swam and drowned his heavy eye.
A moment lasted he in peaceful rest
Then, teetering, he topples, sans protest.
He plummets silent from third story height,
Then jolts the unforgiving earth of night.
This din alerts the gathered crowd above,
And all to window, horror-struck, now shove.
The Spirit Brings Life
Paul dashes out, descending steps, he sped,
Below, the proclamation echoes, “Dead.”
In grief and guilt, the crowd ne’er turned away,
For, like this fellow, more to sleep had strayed.
They saw the head of Paul, below, appear
And, to the morbid body drawing near,
He parts the midnight crowd and barrels through,
And knightly does what knight of Christ must do:
He throws his body on the deathly form
And, living, makes the broken body warm.
Above, the crowd thinks grief has drove him mad
But down below, Paul death with life has clad.
He rises up and breathes, “Be not alarmed!
He has returned. That thieving death’s disarmed.”
Paul reaches out to bring the man afoot,
Then, through the gath’ring, they their courses put.
Above, the crowd sees ling’ring wonderment,
And then the gathered followed where Paul went.
Back in the upper room, Saint Paul preached on
In fellowship till night is long bygone.
Chapter 7
In Which the Knight of Christ Pauses to Act as Shepherd To a Well-Loved Flock
Never Seen Again
H, DAYS —Arrive! Fill up, and overflow!
For long have you usurpéd been to woe.
Now, summon, Sun, and pull our Paul to Way
Departing joyful Troas in the day.
He walks in silence, with the Lord, alone,
And comfort comes from God in heart enthroned.
Then, finding Luke at shore, they both set sail
And stay in Miletus, where prayers prevail,
And Paul, at last, is sure he shan’t return,
So, speaks to Luke, companion, of concern,
“Dear doctor Luke, I’ll ne’er see face to face
Th'Aegean flock I’ve tended in this place.
I know they’ll grow by Spirit’s fire and light.
But once I must see them before my flight.”
A Messenger Brings Ephesians
So, Miletus spared messenger for Paul.
He brought to church of Ephesus the call
From one who soon would journ to Roman land,
And, so, would ne’er ’gain with them bodily stand.
One last address, he’d give before he went.
They go to him, each footfall a lament.
As twilight marked the sky with purple hue
And waking heaven's speckled sky, none knew.
Ephesian elders find Paul, each downcast
Who thought the church’s glorious days were past.
St. Paul's Last Sermon to Ephesus
ISTRESSED THAT friends of fire have faith in smoke,
Our knightly Paul, apostle, fervent spoke,
“Alive, I stand with fire and healthy breath,
Yet each eye looks as though it looks on death.
As mournful, gathered friends who hear last thought
Of friend in threadbare sheets, whose thread is taut
And shivering against a fatal knife.
Yet, look on me, and fear not for my life.
Don’t think you’ll hear some croaking, gasping man
All torn with sober view of ending span.
I sent for you to share my news sublime.
Departing place, not yet departing time.
To answer future, I shall nake the past,
’Twas thirty years ago when Christ gave last
Address, when Kingdom, knights, and gospel-sword
From lips inaugurated royal poured.
And did apostles like you weep and tear?
And were all sorrows swallowed up by fear?
And missed they beauty of ascending force
With fearful eyes like yours? I say, of course!
But ne’er am I the Son and God, divine.
For mouthpiece of the Lord, don’t mourn and pine.
I wept and prayed that you would know Him best.
My bright ‘goodbye’ won’t be your final test.
You once were subset to my own great tale,
And now, I hope that yours will make mine pale.
My every drop of blood, eternally,
Desires that your works for God best me.
As you have seen my humble heart and tears,
For humbleness, compete for all your years.
And ever as I’ve preached in every land,
I pray that you shall teach with more command
To every ear, that Jew and Roman soil
Shall fruitfully from sinful acts recoil
And put their faith in God instead of man.
And, yet, your faces question if you can.
My friends who lead the flock of God, you fear
That I might leave when you still need me here?
Oh, dearest brothers, in your eyes I see
Though you don't need, you want yet to need me.
Till now, I wondered why my time was done—
I know I’ve taught all truth to every one
With whom I ever spoke, yet not to all,
For many towns aggress ‘gainst name of ‘Paul.’
But, Holy Spirit shows my end of course—
Jerusalem shall bruise me with its force
And let me finish up my holy quest
To testify the grace of God to blest.
This destination gives me trouble not,
Yet, wondered I if I had done my lot.
And with the words, ‘We shall not meet again’
Your face so falls that I can see it plain:
You came to Christ, our wondrous, mighty King
By hearing all my godly lecturing.
You fear the pow’r of God to raise you up
Above my place—
but all drink of one cup
And Christ has filled that, Paul but tipped some out
But if you fear you lose your life devout,
Fear want of money, clothing, riches all,
Desire room and board to preach like Paul,
And fear lest persecution slash your years
Your fears are just, and yet, not justly fears.
I say, ‘Be more than I,’ forget the less.
You lose what God has not breathed out to bless
And gain within a faith which falters ne’er
But finds divinest pleasure everywhere.
You want to need me, friends; for this I go,
That seeing I’m not God, in Him you’ll grow
And come to know the joy you greet with woe.
One more concern I know I must address:
You think you need me as you start your quest
And this may lead to trials when the foes
Obscure come speak against the man that goes.
I’ll give you crutch, for now, reminding all
You must not think on words, but hands of Paul
With these, I served King, first, by serving man.
I crafted tents, I fed myself and band.
When men within and out the holy church
Proclaim I cruelly left you in the lurch,
And call my preaching heretic, profane,
And say I beat the bride of Christ in vain,
Refrain from judging ’twixt me and this man—
Before the lips of each, search out the hand.
My palms are cleansed of blood from preaching Christ
My fingertips by needle-pricks are sliced;
Beneath my nails camps dirt from lengthy roads;
These knuckles ne’er closed ’round your silver loads.
To Jews, I spoke in Psid’an Antioch,
To pagan Greeks in Athens gave my talk.
Yet, you! For you, my hands must speak, not tongue
This defense serves ’gainst accusations flung.
Now, watch! Be careful for this precious bride;
Be armed with vigilance: fear but your pride.
The King our Christ has sacked the usurped town
And forced the fort of Satan to the ground.
On steed, disguised, He slew the dragon vile
And saved His e’er betrothéd love from guile.
His blood was spilt with purpose, her to win—
And richest red bought bride from savage sin.
Committing you to God, I pray, defend!
This bride is dear, and virgin-made, I send
You forth to guard His love upon her way.
Men, give your all, ne’er thinking ’bout your pay.”
Ephesian elders rally, Spirit-filled.
Unselfish, now, they pray from brother, still:
“Oh, Lord, flood lifeblood all the Way to Rome,
To kingdom heart from knightly catacomb."
Chapter 8
In Which St. Paul Learns with Certainty of the Danger in Rome
Prophecy of Binding
AUL'S HASTE was marked to reach Jerusalem:
He sought to spend his Pentecost with them.
Through Tyre and Ptolemais, many met
And warned against the way which had been set.
In Caesarea, warmed before the hearth
Of Philip, Paul spoke of plan with mirth.
The rest forebode this journey’s final length
Though Paul sought but to prove the Spirit’s strength.
When Agabus, the prophet, came thereto,
His mind fast burned with what the Lord foreknew.
He took Paul’s belt and bound own hands and feet
And breathed, “Such shall this belt’s owner meet.
Such binding ropes and cruel captivity
When steps he in Jerusalem’s city.”
At this, could Paul’s companions bear no more,
And cease of enterprise they loud implore.
St. Paul's Reply
“This warning was not meant to keep away
My free-made feet from there on Passo’er day.
For God my King has warned that we might know
Success came not from self, but surely show
That He has formed this plan and made my path
And heaven speeds to those who feel man’s wrath.
All glory’s His, and mine shall be the joy,
In knowing firm am I in His employ.
Your tears near sway my heart with charity
But in no grief forget eternity.
So long, my loving friends kept me from harm,
But now, if I stay safe, ’tis by God’s arm.”
Decisive Paul remains, yet comforts tears,
And teaches trust in God amidst their fears.
So, finally, the faithful bow and pray,
“O Mighty King, in good knight have Your way.”
The stars in course do turn about the earth
And days go by, a week of fleeting mirth.
THE STORY CONTINUES IN PART VI BELOW
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