Theological Term of the Week: Patrick

Patrick
An outstanding Celtic Christian and missionary to Ireland; often called “the apostle of Ireland.” Also known as Saint Patrick. He died in 460 or 490.1

• From 2000 Years of Christ’s Power by N. H. Needham, page 311: 

[H]e was probably born in Scotland, the son of a deacon and grandson of a presbyter. A band of Irish criminals kidnapped him in his youth, and sold him into slavery for six years in Ireland. It was during this period as a slave that Patrick experienced conversion; the faith he had learned in childhood became a living reality in his soul amid the harshness of a slaves existence… .

Patrick eventually managed to escape from his captors, and went to France, where he joined the monastery a Lerins and then at Auxerre (central France). But a vision called him back to Ireland to evangelise its largely pagan population. To this Patrick devoted the rest of his life crusading against the supernatural powers of pagan religion that reigned in Ireland, and conquering all their dark magic in the mighty strength of Christ.

• A hymn by Patrick, the apostle of Ireland.

Patrick’s Breastplate

I bind unto myself today
the strong name of the Trinity
by invocation of the same,
the Three in One and One in Three.

I bind this day to me forever,
by power of faith, Christ’s incarnation,
his baptism in the Jordan river,
his death on cross for my salvation,
his bursting from the spiced tomb,
his riding up the heavenly way,
his coming at the day of doom,
I bind unto myself today.

I bind unto myself today
the virtues of the starlit heaven,
the glorious sun’s life-giving ray,
the whiteness of the moon at even,
the flashing of the lightning free,
the whirling wind’s tempestuous shocks,
the stable earth, the deep salt sea
around the old eternal rocks.

I bind unto myself today
the power of God to hold and lead,
God’s eye to watch, God’s might to stay,
God’s ear to hearken to my need,
the wisdom of my God to teach,
God’s hand to guide, God’s shield to ward,
the word of God to give me speech,
God’s heavenly host to be my guard.

Christ be with me, Christ within me, 
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

I bind unto myself the name,
the strong name of the Trinity
by invocation of the same,
the Three in One and One in Three,
of whom all nature has creation,
eternal Father, Spirit, Word.
Praise to the Lord of my salvation;
salvation is of Christ the Lord!

Learn more:

1. Got Questions: Who was Saint Patrick and why do we celebrate St. Patrick’s day?
2. Ligonier Ministries: Who Was Saint Patrick and Should Christians Celebrate St. Patrick’s day?
3. Christian History: Patrick the Saint

Related terms:

• Ambrose of Milan
• Apollinarius
• Athanasius
• Augustine of Hippo
• Basil of Caesarea
• Cappadocian fathers
• Cyril of Alexandria
• Gregory of Nanzianzus
• Gregory of Nyssa
• Gregory the Great
• Hilary of Poitiers
• Irenaeus of Lyons
• Jerome
• John Chrysostom
• Justin Martyr
• Monica
• Nestorius
• Origen
• Pelagius
• Sabellius
• Tertullian

Filed under Christian History

1From 2000 Years of Christ’s Power by N. R. Needham.

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