Chapter 28—Paul at Liberty
While Paul’s labors were blessed to the conversion of many souls
and the strengthening and encouragement of the believers, clouds were
gathering that threatened his own safety as well as the prosperity of
the church. When, on his arrival at Rome, he was placed in charge of
the captain of the imperial guards, the office was filled by 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 whose vice
and tyranny rendered his name infamous. The apostle could expect no
favor from this slave of lust and cruelty.
The Jews were now more active than ever before in their efforts
against Paul. They had found an able helper in the profligate woman
whom Nero had made his second wife, and who, being a Jewish
proselyte, would lend all her influence to second their murderous
designs against the Christian champion.
Paul had little reason to hope for 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 intrusted to a more inhuman despot. The first year of
his reign had been marked by the poisoning of his young step-brother,
who was the rightful heir to the throne. He had steadily descended
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from one depth of vice and crime to another, 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 abhorrence and contempt.
The details of iniquity practiced in the court of this prodigy of
vice 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
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