Chapter 46—At Liberty
While Paul’s labors in Rome were being blessed to the conversion
of many souls and the strengthening and encouragement of the believ-
ers, 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, more frivolous in
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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 dis-
gust 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
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