Martyrdom of Paul and Peter
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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 was led in a private manner to the place of execution. His
persecutors, alarmed at the extent of his influence, feared that converts
might be won to Christianity, even by the scenes of his death. Hence
few spectators were allowed to be present. But the hardened soldiers
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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 his unwavering confidence
in Christ to the very last, proved a savor of life unto 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.” 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.” It was this Heaven-born
peace, expressed upon the countenance, that won many a soul to the
gospel.
The apostle was looking into the great beyond, not with uncertainty
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or in dread, but with joyful hope and longing expectation. As he stood
at the place of martyrdom, he saw not the gleaming sword of the
executioner, or the green earth so soon to receive his blood; he looked