Condemned to Die.
During Paul's final trial before Nero, the emperor had been so strongly impressed with the force of the apostle's words that he deferred the decision of the case, neither acquitting nor condemning the accused servant of God.But the emperor's malice against Paul soon returned.Exasperated by his inability to check the spread of the Christian religion, even in the imperial household, he determined that as soon as a plausible pretext could be found, the apostle should be put to death.Not long afterward Nero pronounced the decision that condemned Paul to a martyr's death.Inasmuch as a Roman citizen could not be subjected to torture, he was sentenced to be beheaded.
Paul was taken in a private manner to the place of execution.Few spectators were allowed to be present; for his persecutors, alarmed at the extent of his influence, feared that converts might be won to Christianity by the scenes of his death.But even the hardened soldiers who attended him listened to his words and with amazement saw him cheerful and even joyous in the prospect of death.To some who witnessed his martyrdom, his spirit of forgiveness toward his murderers and his unwavering confidence in Christ till the last, proved a savor of life unto life.More than one accepted the Saviour whom Paul preached, and erelong fearlessly sealed their faith with their blood.
Until his latest hour the life of Paul testified to the truth of his words to the Corinthians: "God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body."2 Corinthians 4:6-10.His sufficiency was not in himself, but in the presence and agency of the divine Spirit that filled his soul and brought every thought into subjection to the will of Christ.The prophet declares, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee." Isaiah 26:3.The heaven-born peace expressed on Paul's countenance won many a soul to the gospel.
Paul carried with him the atmosphere of heaven.All who associated with him felt the influence of his union with Christ.The fact that his own life exemplified the truth he proclaimed, gave convincing power to his preaching.Here lies the power of truth.The unstudied, unconscious influence of a holy life is the most convincing sermon that can be given in favor of Christianity.Argument, even when unanswerable, may provoke only opposition; but a godly example has a power that it is impossible wholly to resist.
