Abstract
The modern conception of the Catholic priest as “Man of the Eucharist” contrasts with the New Testament’s description of the community. In the NT, nobody (not even Jesus himself) claimed for himself the title of “priest”. This article therefore concentrates its reflection on St. Paul: was he a priest? He certainly didn’t regard himself as such; but we can find, both in his theology and in his Lucan portrait in Acts, two main aspects of his ministry: the existential offering of himself, and his unique role (preaching, governing) in the Christian communities. In the Epistle to the Hebrews, these are the foundation for Christ’s priesthood: therefore we can make the link with the concept of “ordained priesthood” as described by the Fathers of the Church. In that sense, St. Paul certainly was a priest, and we find a beautiful description of this ministry in his discourse to the Elders of Ephesus (Acts 20,18-35).
