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.

At Liberty

We should make the most of the opportunities God gives us.

In this chapter there is an interesting turn of events in Paul's life. Up until this point, the centurion overseeing him had been quite helpful and gracious to him. This man is now replaced by someone quite the opposite. And the Caesar to which Paul had appealed to, well, lets just say that he was not so favorable either.

Paul could hope for little justice from the Caesar to whom he had appealed. Nero was more debased in morals, more frivolous in 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. pp. 486, 487

From a human perspective, Paul was pretty much doomed, yet we have to remember this is Paul we're dealing with here. He was not afraid. He knew that God would take care of him, and you know what, He did.

 And God did shield His servant. At Paul's examination the charges against him were not sustained, and, contrary to the general expectation, and with a regard for justice wholly at variance with his character, Nero declared the prisoner guiltless. Paul's bonds were removed; he was again a free man. pp. 487, 488

This happened just in time too. For soon after Paul's release and departure from Rome (would you stick around?) the infamous Nero did what he is now infamous for. He burned Rome and blamed the Christians.

Paul was now getting up there in years, and he knew his time was short, so he now worked that much harder to win souls and strengthen those in the faith.

Our opportunities may not be as dramatic as Paul's, yet we can make full use of the advantages given to us. If we are faithful in the little things, Jesus said, we will be faithful in the big ones as well.