Paul Before Nero

We must never give up witnessing to others for we never know what may come from it.

As I mentioned in a previous post, the evil Jewish leaders had accused Paul of burning Rome. Now in this chapter, Paul is brought before the emperor Nero to answer for his so-called crimes. It was customary in the Greek and Roman culture to have an advocate speak for the accused much like a defense lawyer. This advocated need not be a lawyer, simply someone eloquent who might convince the tribunal to release the prisoner or at least mitigate the punishment. Paul had no such advocate. For one reason or another, no one came forward to defend Paul. So Paul had to speak for himself. However he was not alone, for God was with him.

A great crowd had gathered to see the proceedings, for apparently such things were as interesting to people back then as they are now. Paul used this for the advantage of the gospel. His whole being radiated peace to the surprise of many of the onlookers, and he spoke with such eloquence that many people were led to believe in Jesus and change their ways. Even Nero, whose debauchery was repulsive to even many of the heathens of his day was pricked in the heart, and for a brief moment he almost surrender his heart to God. Sadly, that moment was simply just a moment, and when the prison door shut behind Paul once again, the door of probation was shut forever behind Nero.

Too many people if put in a similar situation would have said "What's the use? These people are too far gone, it pointless to even bother. I'm not going to to put pearls in front of swine." Such people do not have the mind of Christ. We must never give up trying to witness to others regardless of how hopeless it seems.