按键盘上方向键 ← 或 → 可快速上下翻页，按键盘上的 Enter 键可回到本书目录页，按键盘上方向键 ↑ 可回到本页顶部！
————未阅读完？加入书签已便下次继续阅读！
At Liberty
While Paul's labors 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 favor。
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；
486
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 practiced 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 civilized world。 More than
this； he was made the recipient of divine honors and was worshiped as a god。
From the viewpoint of human judgment； 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
487
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 rumored； had caused the flames to
be kindled； but to avert suspicion he made a pretense 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 Christmen； 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
laboring among the churches。 He sought to establish a firmer union between
the Greek and the Eastern churches and to fortify the minds
488
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 labor 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。
（489）
Chapter 47
The Final Arrest
Paul's work among the churches after his acquittal at Rome； could not escape
the observation of his enemies。 Since the beginning of the persecution under
Nero the Christians had everywhere been a proscribed sect。 After a time the
unbelieving Jews conceived the idea of fastening upon Paul the crime of
instigating the burning of Rome。 Not one of them thought for a moment that
he was guilty； but they knew that such a charge； made with the faintest show
of plausibility； would seal his doom。 Through their efforts； Paul was again
arrested； and hurried away to his final imprisonment。
On his second voyage to Rome； Paul was accompanied by several of his former
companions； others earnestly desired to share his lot； but he refused to
permit them thus to imperil their lives。 The prospect before him was far
less favorable than at the time of his former imprisonment。 The persecution
under Nero had greatly lessened the number of Christians in Rome。 Thousands
had been martyred for their
490
faith； many had left the city； and those who remained were greatly depressed
and intimidated。
Upon his arrival at Rome； Paul was placed in a gloomy dungeon； there to
remain until his course should be finished。 Accused of instigating one of
the basest and most terrible of crimes against the city and the nation； he
was the object of universal execration。
The few friends who had shared the burdens of the apostle； now began to
leave him； some by desertion； and others on missions to the various
churches。 Phygellus and Hermogenes were the first to go。 Then Demas；
dismayed by the thickening clouds of difficulty and danger； forsook the
persecuted apostle。 Crescens was sent by Paul to the churches of Galatia；
Titus to Dalmatia； Tychicus to Ephesus。 Writing to Timothy of this
experience； Paul said； 〃Only Luke is with me。〃 2 Timothy 4：11。 Never had the
apostle needed the ministrations of his brethren as now； enfeebled as he was
by age； toil