(Drawn from the children’s book written by The Voice of the Martyrs with Cheryl Odden)
“Buried beneath the St. Patrick’s Day symbols of shamrocks and leprechauns lies the story of a man determined to share the message of salvation with the people who made him a slave.”
Birth/Death
- Birth: circa 4th century A.D. in Britannia
- Death: March 17th, 461A.D (“St. Patrick’s Day”)
Historical Background
- Barbaric pirates from Ireland attacked his family’s home, took him captive, and sold him into slavery to a Druid tribal chieftain.
- Trusted Christ, while herding sheep as a slave in Ireland.
- Escaped, after 6 years, and eventually made it back home.
- Studied the Scriptures in pursuit of leadership in the church.
- Burdened for the salvation of the pagan Irish who enslaved him.
- Several years later, he returned to Ireland to preach the gospel.
- Traveled the “Emerald Isle,” until the end of his life, sharing the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Persecution
- Ridiculed by fellow slaves as a “holy boy.”
- Ardently opposed by the pagan Irish for preaching the gospel and teaching many how to read and write.
St. Patrick’s Day
- The day of his death, March 17th, 461A.D., is the day we now know and celebrate as “St. Patrick’s Day.”
- Legend says that Patrick used the symbol of the shamrock to illustrate the Biblical doctrine of the Trinity.
Courage
- Depended upon God instead of the “Luck of the Irish.”
- Known as a man of deep faith and trust in God despite the trials and tribulation he endured throughout his life.
- Withstood severe persecution so that the pagan Irish could hear the gospel and be saved by God’s grace through faith in Christ.
May you be encouraged to do the same on this St. Patrick’s Day and always!
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21 NKJV
“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” Matthew 5:44 NKJV
