a member of that intimate society, experiencing the closest possible identification with Christ. At the same time Christ makes the closest possible identification with his suffering ministers. Paul learned of this identification at the time of his conversion, when the Lord said to him, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting’ (Acts 22:8; cf. 9:5). As these words indicate, because he is united to his people, Christ considers every incarceration and abuse they endure to be an assault on his
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