Because of the Pagan culture, "Paul had to be radical, radical and controversial", comment the bishops of Malta and Gozo. Despite the climate which was against "the proclamation of the faith", he "felt no embarrassment nor did he feel any fear, he did not mince his words, he did not stop being ready". "Brave with those who proposed compromises", "strong with those who caused rifts", "clear on moral matters", the Apostle "can guide us in the fogs of our time, when we are tempted to back out of faith, because we feel embarrassed or afraid". According to the two prelates, our society "is very similar" to that "of Saint Paul’s time" and "expects of us, as a Christian community, a response that will be first and foremost a genuine and firm testimony". Family, equality, slavery, sexuality, women’s conditions: these are some of the subjects addressed by the Apostle in the light of the truth of the Gospel, even "when what he stated was against the opinions of his time". Hence the final exhortation to today’s Christians, to build, according to his example, a new social order: "our country badly needs the yeast of the firm belief in and the truth of faith".” ” ” “
