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LET ME DIE IN IRELAND  /  Chapter 20: Jesus or Barabbas  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 10
In Patrick’s written defense he challenges, “Produce even one person who has paid me,” explains he paid tribute and exhausted his inheritance, and even begs to “shed my blood with these exiles and captives.” What early-Christian assumptions about ministry, money, suffering, and credibility are embedded in his defense, and how would adopting those assumptions change the way we evaluate leaders and missions today?
Another way to ask: What does Patrick’s defense show about early Christian views of ministry, money, suffering, and what makes a leader believable? If we used those same views today, how would it change how we judge leaders and missions?

Direct Answer Patrick’s defense assumes ministry is not a path to profit or honor but to sacrifice, danger, and costly love for converts; credibility is shown by generosity, truthfulness before God, and willingness to suffer with God’s people. Adopting these assumptions would make us evaluate leaders less by success and more by integrity, sacrifice, and faithfulness.

Support from Transcript:

  • He challenges for evidence: “Produce even one person who has paid me for a baptism or ordination.”
  • He explains the financial reality of mission: instead of charging, he was “having to pay tribute to various kings” to travel.
  • He says this cost him everything: “He had exhausted his entire inheritance in doing this.”
  • He rejects self-promotion: “I would not write… out of selfishness or to seek flattery… nor… honor from any of you.”
  • He embraces low status: “poverty and failure suit me better than wealth and delights.”
  • He ties credibility to suffering love: he begs to “shed my blood with these exiles and captives for His name.”
Discussion Follow-ups Based on the transcript, missions would be judged less by money raised or influence gained, and more by whether leaders refuse greed, tell the truth, and are willing to suffer for the people they serve.

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