Preachers all hope Saint Paul’s description of his ministry describes theirs, too. Surely, though, all Christians should feel this as well. This passage of scripture is like the infrared light used to detect the chemical dye in which a voter’s thumb is dipped at the polls in some countries. The light reveals unmistakedly the special coloration of the dye and is intended to prevent fraudulent repetitive voting. This scripture clearly reveals the validity of Christian ministry. No bogus discipleship can pass its scrutiny.

Total identity with all mankind is the first text of the ministry all Christians share, Saint Paul asserts. "I have become all things to all men," is his conclusion, so that, he continues, "I might by all means save some." Nobody is beyond a Christian’s loving concern. Nob…