Paul was dead—the people thought,
and drew his body from the city.
But the disciples gathered near.
Around the body beaten and stoned
they formed a ring.
Had they not learned
the power of Him in whom they had their being?
Nothing separated them now from the love of God,
the presence of Life.
And Paul arose!
He went back into the city.
Into Lystra where the lame man walked and leaped
in praise of God.
And in the morning light he continued on his way,
teaching and healing.
The God-appointed task untouched.
The road to Rome before him.
The ring held fast.
Those faithful few in oneness
stood.
And now in ever-widening rings
Christ's ministry moves on.
