The Obedience of Saint Paul

New Testament Challenge, Day 23 – Acts 17-22

“And when we had come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. On the following day, Paul went in with us to James and all the elders were present. When he had greeted them, he told in detail those things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord.” Acts 21.17-20

Saint Paul is without a doubt the greatest missionary of Church history. The “Great Saint Paul” traveled thousands of miles and suffered countless attempts from the devil to defeat his ministry to bring the Gospel of Christ to the world. He was so central in the life the ancient Church, nearly 40% of the New Testament is either written by him or about him. And still he had to submit to the authority of the Church.

In fact we can see Paul’s ministry is framed by his being accountable to the authority of the Apostles and Elders in Jerusalem. Early in his ministry he traveled to Jerusalem “but they [the Disciples] were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles.” (Acts 9.26-27) Barnabas was able to vouch for Saint Paul which lent him credibility. Then, as in today’s reading, at the end of his ministry he returned to Jerusalem and reported on all his efforts.

“Therefore do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a vow. Take them and be purified with them, and pay their expenses so that they may shave their heads, and that al may know that those things of which they were informed concerning you are nothing, but that you yourself also walk orderly and keep the law.” (Acts 21-23-24)

“Then Paul took the men,” (Acts 21.26) and did exactly what Saint Peter commanded him to do. It seems to me that we can learn a great lesson on Christian humility and obedience from Saint Paul. None of us are beyond being held accountable to the authority of the Church and the Holy Apostles who received the Holy Spirit and were guided “into all truth.” (John 16.13) If they had the truth then we have the obligation as did Saint Paul to be obedient to them.

That is the essence of the Orthodox Church. We maintain the Church as established and commanded by the Holy Apostles. It was good enough for Saint Paul, it should be good enough for us.