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Paul’s Godly Life had Irresistible Power, December 12
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because
he trusteth in thee.
Isaiah 26:3
.
Nero pronounced the decision that condemned Paul to a martyr’s death....
Few spectators were allowed to be present; for his persecutors, alarmed at the
extent of his influence, feared that converts might be won to Christianity by the
scenes of his death. But even the hardened soldiers who attended him listened to
his words and with amazement saw him cheerful and even joyous in the prospect
of death. To some who witnessed his martyrdom, his spirit of forgiveness toward
his murderers and his unwavering confidence in Christ till the last proved a savor
of life unto life....
The heaven-born peace expressed on Paul’s countenance won many a soul to
the gospel. Paul carried with him the atmosphere of heaven. All who associated
with him felt the influence of his union with Christ. The fact that his own life
exemplified the truth he proclaimed gave convincing power to his preaching.
Here lies the power of truth. The unstudied, unconscious influence of a holy
life is the most convincing sermon that can be given in favor of Christianity.
Argument, even when unanswerable, may provoke only opposition; but a godly
example has a power that it is impossible wholly to resist.
The apostle lost sight of his own approaching sufferings in his solicitude for
those whom he was about to leave to cope with prejudice, hatred, and persecution.
The few Christians who accompanied him to the place of execution he endeavored
to strengthen and encourage by repeating the promises given for those who are
persecuted for righteousness’ sake. He assured them that nothing would fail of all
that the Lord has spoken concerning His tried and faithful children.
For a little season they might be in heaviness through manifold temptations;
they might be destitute of earthly comforts; but they could encourage their hearts
with the assurance of God’s faithfulness, saying, “I know whom I have believed,
and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him”
(
2 Timothy 1:2
). Soon the night of trial and suffering would end, and then would
dawn the glad morning of peace and perfect day.
The apostle was looking into the great beyond, not with uncertainty or dread,
but with joyous hope and longing expectation. As he stands at the place of
martyrdom he sees not the sword of the executioner or the earth so soon to receive
his blood; he looks up through the calm blue heaven of that summer day to the
throne of the Eternal.—
The Acts of the Apostles, 509-512
.
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