In Rome
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Suddenly a cry of joy is heard, and a man springs from the passing
throng and falls upon the prisoner’s neck, embracing him with tears
and rejoicing, as a son would welcome a long-absent father. Again
and again is the scene repeated as, with eyes made keen by loving ex-
pectation, many discern in the chained captive the one who at Corinth,
at Philippi, at Ephesus, had spoken to them the words of life.
As the warmhearted disciples eagerly flock around their father in
the gospel, the whole company is brought to a standstill. The soldiers
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are impatient of delay, yet they have not the heart to interrupt this
happy meeting; for they, too, have learned to respect and esteem their
prisoner. In that worn, pain-stricken face, the disciples see reflected
the image of Christ. They assure Paul that they have not forgotten him
nor ceased to love him; that they are indebted to him for the joyful
hope which animates their lives and gives them peace toward God. In
the ardor of their love they would bear him upon their shoulders the
whole way to the city, could they but have the privilege.
Few realize the significance of those words of Luke, that when
Paul saw his brethren, “he thanked God, and took courage.” In the
midst of the weeping, sympathizing company of believers, who were
not ashamed of his bonds, the apostle praised God aloud. The cloud of
sadness that had rested upon his spirit was swept away. His Christian
life had been a succession of trials, sufferings, and disappointments,
but in that hour he felt abundantly repaid. With firmer step and joyful
heart he continued on his way. He would not complain of the past,
nor fear for the future. Bonds and afflictions awaited him, he knew;
but he knew also that it had been his to deliver souls from a bondage
infinitely more terrible, and he rejoiced in his sufferings for Christ’s
sake.
At Rome the centurion Julius delivered up his prisoners to the
captain of the emperor’s guard. The good account which he gave of
Paul, together with the letter from Festus, caused the apostle to be
favorably regarded by the chief captain, and, instead of being thrown
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into prison, he was permitted to live in his own hired house. Although
still constantly chained to a soldier, he was at liberty to receive his
friends and to labor for the advancement of the cause of Christ.
Many of the Jews who had been banished from Rome some years
previously, had been allowed to return, so that large numbers were
now to be found there. To these, first of all, Paul determined to present