Chapter 46
At Liberty
While Paul's labours in Rome were being blessed to the conversion of
many souls and the strengthening and encouragement of the believers,
clouds were gathering that threatened not only his own safety, but also
the prosperity of the church. On his arrival in Rome he had been placed in
charge of the captain of the imperial guards, a man of justice and
integrity, by whose clemency he was left comparatively free to pursue the
work of the gospel. But before the close of the two years' imprisonment,
this man was replaced by an official from whom the apostle could expect no
special favour.
The Jews were now more active than ever in their efforts against Paul,
and they found an able helper in the profligate woman whom Nero had made
his second wife, and who, being a Jewish proselyte, lent all her influence
to aid their murderous designs against the champion of Christianity.
Paul could hope for little justice from the Caesar to whom he had
appealed. Nero was more debased in morals, more frivolous in character,
and at the same time capable of more atrocious cruelty, than any ruler who
had preceded him. The reins of government could not have been entrusted to
a more despotic ruler. The first year of his reign had been marked by the
poisoning of his young stepbrother, the rightful heir to the throne. From
one depth of vice and crime to another, Nero had descended, until he had
murdered his own mother, and then his wife. There was no atrocity which he
would not perpetrate, no vile act to which he would not stoop. In every
noble mind he inspired only abhorrence and contempt.
The details of the iniquity practised in his court are too degrading,
too horrible, for description. His abandoned wickedness created disgust
and loathing, even in many who were forced to share his crimes. They were
in constant fear as to what enormities he would suggest next. Yet even
such crimes as Nero's did not shake the allegiance of his subjects. He was
acknowledged as the absolute ruler of the whole civilised world. More than
this, he was made the recipient of divine honours and was worshiped as a
god.
From the viewpoint of human judgement, Paul's condemnation before such
a judge was certain. But the apostle felt that so long as he was loyal to
God, he had nothing to fear. The One who in the past had been his
protector could shield him still from the malice of the Jews and from the
power of Caesar.
And God did shield His servant. At Paul's examination the charges
against him were not sustained, and, contrary to the general expectation,
and with a regard for justice wholly at variance with his character, Nero
declared the prisoner guiltless. Paul's bonds were removed; he was again a
free man.
Had his trial been longer deferred, or had he from any cause been
detained in Rome until the following year, he would doubtless have
perished in the persecution which then took place. During Paul's
imprisonment the converts to Christianity had become so numerous as to
attract the attention and arouse the enmity of the authorities. The anger
of the emperor was especially excited by the conversion of members of his
own household, and he soon found a pretext to make the Christians the
objects of his merciless cruelty.
About this time a terrible fire occurred in Rome by which nearly one
half of the city was burned. Nero himself, it was rumoured, had caused the
flames to be kindled, but to avert suspicion he made a pretence of great
generosity by assisting the homeless and destitute. He was, however,
accused of the crime. The people were excited and enraged, and in order to
clear himself, and also to rid the city of a class whom he feared and
hated, Nero turned the accusation upon the Christians. His device
succeeded, and thousands of the followers of Christ--men, women, and
children-- were cruelly put to death.
From this terrible persecution Paul was spared, for soon after his
release he had left Rome. This last interval of freedom he diligently
improved in labouring among the churches. He sought to establish a firmer
union between the Greek and the Eastern churches and to fortify the minds
of the believers against the false doctrines that were creeping in to
corrupt the faith.
The trials and anxieties that Paul had endured had preyed upon his
physical powers. The infirmities of age were upon him. He felt that he was
now doing his last work, and, as the time of his labour grew shorter, his
efforts became more intense. There seemed to be no limit to his zeal.
Resolute in purpose, prompt in action, strong in faith, he journeyed from
church to church, in many lands, and sought by every means within his
power to strengthen the hands of the believers, that they might do
faithful work in winning souls to Jesus, and that in the trying times upon
which they were even then entering, they might remain steadfast to the
gospel, bearing faithful witness for Christ.
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