Yet this joy at having Jesus with them once again was, they knew, to be followed one day by a greater joy. When their labours were ended, there awaited them an endless life spent with him, in his visible and glorified Presence. At times St Paul was impatient for the fulfilment of this complete and lasting bliss. Though anxious to continue his missionary work, he wrote, “I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better…” (NRSV, Philippians 1:23).

This consciousness of Christ’s presence and support and the future joy of seeing him again, was the source of the Apostles’ reckless gaiety. When flogged, they departed rejoicing; when flung into an underground dungeon they burst irrepressibly into song in the middle of the night.