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Martyrdom of Paul and Peter
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that sin, and had been forgiven by Christ, as is shown by the high
commission given him to feed the sheep and lambs of the flock. But
he could never forgive himself. Not even the thought of the agonies
of the last terrible scene could lessen the bitterness of his sorrow
and repentance. As a last favor he entreated his executioners that he
might be nailed to the cross with his head downward. The request
was granted, and in this manner died the great apostle Peter.
Paul’s Final Witness
Paul was led in a private manner to the place of execution. His
persecutors, alarmed at the extent of his influence, feared that con-
verts might be won to Christianity even by the scene of his death.
Hence few spectators were allowed to be present. But the hardened
soldiers appointed to attend him listened to his words, and with
amazement saw him cheerful and even joyous in prospect of such a
death. His spirit of forgiveness toward his murderers and unwaver-
ing confidence in Christ to the very last proved a savor of life unto
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life to some who witnessed his martyrdom. More than one erelong
accepted the Saviour whom Paul preached, and fearlessly sealed
their faith with their blood.
The life of Paul, to its very latest hour, testified to the truth of
his words in the second epistle to the Corinthians: “For 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 fact that his own life exemplified the truth he proclaimed gave
convincing power to both his preaching and his deportment. Says
the prophet, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is
stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.”
Isaiah 26:3
. It was