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Sketches from the Life of Paul
their prejudice against the Christians, the constant repetition of these
horrible, heart-sickening scenes excited even their compassion.
[304]
From this terrible ordeal, Paul was spared, having left Rome soon
after his release. This last precious interval of freedom was earnestly
improved in laboring among the churches. He sought to establish a
firmer union between the Greek and Eastern churches which he had
raised up, and to guard them against the subtle heresies that were
creeping in to corrupt the faith. The trials and anxieties which he
had endured, had preyed upon his physical and mental energies. The
infirmities of age were upon him. He felt that his work was nearly
accomplished.
At Jerusalem and at Antioch he had defended Christianity against
the narrow restrictions of Judaism. He had preached the gospel to
the pagans of Lycaonia, to the fanatics of Galatia, to the colonists of
Macedonia, to the frivolous art-worshipers of Athens, to the pleasure-
loving merchants of Corinth, to the half-barbarous nations of Dalmatia,
to the islanders of Crete, and to slaves, soldiers, and men of rank and
station, in the multitudes at Rome. Now he was doing his last work.
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