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I was born a Roman citizen but was brought up as a Hebrew. I was a very good student studying
under a great teacher of the Jewish religion. I was from the tribe of Benjamin and hence I was also
named after a Jewish King from that tribe . In my youth I was instrumental in persecuting the early
church but one day I met Jesus Christ and my life was completely changed. I now worked for the cause
I had tried to destroy.
I knew that God wanted me to spread the Good News to the Jews but also to the Gentiles. I took the
gospel to people like the Arabs, Philippians, Colossians, Corinthians, Galatians, Greeks, and
Italians in Rome. I preached the gospel to Kings, Rulers, Pharisees, Scribes and others in high
places.
Five times I received thirty nine lashes, three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned,
three times I was shipwrecked, and I spent a night and a day in the open sea. I was constantly on
the move. I was in danger from rivers, bandits, my own countrymen, and Gentiles; in danger in the
city, in the country, at sea; and from false brothers. I laboured and toiled and often went
without sleep; I knew hunger and thirst and often went without food. I lacked proper clothing at
times and hence was cold. Besides everything else, I faced daily the pressure of my concern for all
the churches.
I spent several years in prison because of my belief in a risen Christ but during this time I wrote
letters to the churches, which I had been instrumental in establishing, to encourage them in their
walk with Christ.
I was able to make three missionary journeys. I was involved in mentoring a young fellow named
Timothy who later became very useful to me by taking care of my needs while I was in prison. For me
to live was Christ and to die was gain. My story is well told in Acts of the Bible.
Anna Kroeker
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