was one of the chief apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: yea, he labored
more abundantly than they all. 1 Cor. 15:10.
Immediately after his conversion, he preached Christ in the synagogues,
that he was the Son of God. Acts 9:20.
Some time afterwards, the Holy Ghost said to the prophets and teachers
at Antioch, after they had ministered to the Lord with fasting and
prayer, “Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have
called them.” And thus they were sent out by the Holy Ghost. Acts
13:2,3.
In the meantime, Paul, formerly called Saul, was endowed with special
gifts of the Holy Ghost, so that he had the spirit of discernment,
prophecy, tongues, miracles. Acts 13:9,10; 1 Tim. 4:1; 1 Cor. 14:18;
Acts 19:11.
He had also special revelations, so that, at a certain time, he was
caught up to the third heaven, yea, into the heavenly paradise, where
he heard unspeakable words, which no man can utter. 2 Cor. 12:1.
He was, moreover, adorned with many Christian virtues, which he
practiced with a good conscience; as well as with faithfulness in his
ministry, paternal care over all the churches, and sincere love for
them, even unto death, so that he said, “Being affectionately desirous
of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of
God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.” 1
Thess. 2:8.
He was free from covetousness, of a benevolent disposition, and would
rather labor with his own hands, than be a burden to the church, lest
it might prove a hindrance to the holy gospel. Acts 20:34.
He vigorously withstood, and overcame through the word of God, the
erring spirits, sorcerers, Epicurean philosophers, and false prophets.
He feared neither great nor small, noble nor ignoble, Jew nor Greek;
but taught the word of God in sincerity.
What he suffered in seven great land and sea journeys, during the
time of thirty years, during which he traveled in Judea, Syria,
Asia, Macedonia, Greece, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, yea, almost
through the whole then known world, is sufficiently evident, from Holy
Scripture as well as from history.
It is computed, that until his first imprisonment at Rome, he had
traveled over three thousand German miles, by water and by land,
only for the Gospel’s sake; besides all the other arduous journeys
he undertook, in order to strengthen, awaken, and comfort the
newly-planted churches; in which he met with much vexation, misery and
grief from the hands of the unbelievers. The words which the Lord had
spoken at the time of his conversion, were fulfilled in every part: “I
will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.” Acts
9:16.
Shortly after he was baptized, and his zeal for the truth of Christ
began to break forth at Damascus, proving to the Jews that Christ was
come, they took counsel to kill him; wherefore he was let down by the
wall in a basket, that he might escape their hands. Acts 9:24,25.
Afterwards, when he came to Iconium with his companion Barnabas, the
Jews stirred up the Gentiles against him and his friend, intending to
stone them. Acts 14:2,5.
But when they had fled to Lystra, and had made a cripple able to walk,
there came certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, and stirred up the
people, so that they stoned Paul, whom they first had worshiped as a
god, and drew him out of the city, supposing that he was dead: howbeit,
as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up again. Acts 14:19,20.
Afterwards, traveling with Silas, and having, at Philippi, delivered a
damsel from a spirit of divination, he and Silas were accused on that
account, beaten with rods, cast into prison, their feet made fast in
the stocks, and were kept in close confinement. But in the night God
sent an earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken,
the doors opened, and the bands (of the stocks) loosed of their own
accord. By this means Paul and Silas were delivered, with the knowledge
of the keeper, who accepted the faith, and was baptized. Acts 16:22–36.
Subsequently, being at Thessalonica, and having preached the word of
God three Sabbaths, so that of the devout Greeks, a great multitude
believed, and of the chief women not a few, the Jews, who believed
not, were moved with envy; wherefore they took unto them certain lewd
fellows--market-loungers--and gathered a great company, and set the
city in an uproar, and assaulted the house of one Jason, thinking that
Paul and Silas were within, and sought to bring them out to the people.
And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren
unto the rulers of the city, crying, “These that have turned the world
upside down are come hither also; whom Jason hath secretly received.”
Acts 17:1–7. From there, on account of the persecution, the brethren
sent both of them away by night unto Berea. Verse 10.
After that, “when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made
insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the
judgment seat, saying, “This fellow persuadest men, to worship God
contrary to the law. And when Paul was now about to open his mouth,
to defend himself, Gallio said unto the Jews, to show to them the
groundlessness of their accusations, If it were a matter of wrong or
wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you:
but if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to
it: for I will be no judge of such matters. And he drave them from the
judgment seat.” Acts 18:12–16.
After this, there came down from Judea a prophet, named Agabus,
who took Paul’s girdle, and bound himself, saying, “Thus saith the
Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth
this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.”
Thereupon the brethren besought Paul, not to go up to Jerusalem. But he
answered, “What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready
not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the
Lord Jesus.” Acts 21:10–13. O the great resolution of the Apostle Paul!
After that, when he, standing on the stairs at Jerusalem, defended
himself before those who had accused him, it came to pass that the
Jews, having given him audience for awhile, cast off their clothes,
threw dust into the air, and cried, “Away with such a fellow from the
earth: for it is not fit that he should live.” Acts 22:22,23.
In the meantime he was bound, in order to be scourged; which he would
not have escaped, had he not declared that he was a Roman citizen.
Verses 25–29.
“Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have
lived in all good conscience before God until this day. And the high
priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the
mouth.” Acts 23:1,2.
“The night following, the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good
cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must
thou bear witness also at Rome. Verse 11.
And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound
themselves neither to eat nor to drink till they had killed Paul. And
they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy. Verse 12.
But Paul was warned of this ambuscade by his sister’s son, and when the
latter made it known to the chief captain of the Romans, measures were
taken to escape it; wherefore he was brought in the third hour of the
night to Cesarea, unto Felix the governor. Verses 16–33. And Felix kept
him in Herod’s judgment hall, till his accusers should come. Verse 35.
After five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and
with the orator Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul. And
when Paul was called forth, Tertullus, after having saluted Felix with
many flattering words, began to accuse him, saying, “We have found this
man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews
throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:
who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would
have judged according to our law. But the chief captain Lysias came
upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,” etc.
“And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.” Acts
24:1–9.
But that this was not so (although they sought to bring about his death
by these accusations), is evident from the preceding facts mentioned
in the Acts of the Apostles, and from the following defense of Paul,
verses 10–21.
“But after two years Portius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix,
willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.” Verse 27.
Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he
ascended from Cesarea to Jerusalem. Then the high priest and the chief
of the Jews went to him, and desired favor, that he would send for Paul
to Jerusalem; laying wait in the way to kill him. Festus replied to the
Jews, that Paul should be kept at Cesarea, and that those who were to
accuse him, might come thither. Acts 25:4,5.
And when they were come, they brought forward many and grievous
complaints, which they could not prove, and which Paul briefly and
conclusively refuted, declaring that he had offended neither against
the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Cesar. But
being deceitfully asked by Festus, whether he was willing to go up
to Jerusalem, to be judged there (where his mortal enemies were), he
fearlessly replied, “I stand at Cesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to
be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.
But if I be an offender, or have committed anything worthy of death, I
refuse not to die.” Acts 25:9–11.
After this, Paul was examined by King Agrippa, in the presence of
Festus. His defense caused Festus, who was a friend of the Jews, to
exclaim: Paul, thou art beside thyself. Agrippa, however, declared that
he was almost persuaded to become a Christian. He also gave as his
opinion, that there was nothing worthy of death in him; wherefore he
said to Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not
appealed unto Cesar. Acts 26:1–32.
In the meantime it was determined that he should sail to Italy, to be
examined before Cesar. To this end he and certain other prisoners were
delivered to Julius, a centurion of the imperial band. Having embarked
in a ship of Adramyttium, they sailed along Cyprus, Cilicia, Pamphylia,
and other countries, to Myra in Lycia, where they were transferred into
a ship of Alexandria bound for Italy. In this ship they sailed against
Cnidus, as far as under Crete, over against the city of Salmone; thence
to a place which is called the Fair Havens, nigh to Lasea. Acts 27:1–8.
At this place Paul foretold them, that they would not complete this
voyage without great damage, danger of shipwreck, and peril of life;
but the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more
than those things which were spoken by Paul. Verses 10,11.
Departing thence, they hoped to winter at Phenice, a haven of Crete;
but they touched at Asson, and sailed close by Crete. Verses 12,13.
Then the ship was caught by a northeast wind, which had sprung up,
and carried her, against their purpose, through the billows so that
they had to let her drive before it; however, they came to the Island
Clauda, yet with fear, lest they should fall into the quicksands.
Verses 16,17. For many days and nights they saw neither sun nor stars
through the mighty tempest, so that all hope that they should be saved
was taken away. Verse 20.
Meanwhile God sent his angel on a certain night to Paul, saying, “Fear
not; thou must be brought before Cesar: and, lo, God hath given thee
all them that sail with thee. Verses 23,24.
Thereupon Paul urged them to take meat, for the preservation of their
lives, for, on account of their deadly fear, they had not eaten
anything for fourteen days; and breaking the bread, for to eat, he gave
thanks to God in the presence of them all. Verses 33–36.
And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a
creek; which however they could not enter, but ran aground, before the
island of Melita (now called Malta); where the forepart of the ship
stuck fast, but the hinder part was broken in pieces by the waves.
Verses 39–41. Here the soldiers held a council and decided to kill
the prisoners, including Paul, lest any of them should swim out, and
escape. The centurion, however, willing to save Paul, kept them from
their purpose: and commanded that they who could swim should cast
themselves first into the sea, and get to land which was done; and the
rest floated, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship,
so that all, namely, one hundred and seventy souls, escaped to land.
Verses 42–44. Thus was fulfilled what Paul had foretold them, namely,
that they should suffer shipwreck, and yet escape with their lives.
Here Paul was first pronounced a murderer, but afterwards a god, by
the inhabitants of the island; and this, because they observed a viper
fastening itself on his hand, which he shook off into the fire, without
suffering any harm. Acts 21:3–6.
After three months they sailed for Italy in a ship which had wintered
in the isle; yet they arrived first at Syracuse, in Sicily, and then
at Puteoli, on the Italian border, where Paul found brethren, with whom
he tarried seven days; others came to meet him as far as Appii Forum,
and the Three Taverns. Proceeding, he came to Rome, where the centurion
delivered him to the chief captain, to be brought before Cesar. In
the meantime he was kept by a soldier, and bound with a chain. Verses
11–16,20.
We have narrated all these things the more circumstantially (and this,
according to Holy Scripture), in order that it may be seen, how much
this pious man suffered in his travels by sea and by land, for the sake
of the holy Gospel. Of all this he gives a brief account in his second
epistle to the Corinthian church, writing thus: “Of the Jews five times
received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once
was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have
been in the deep; in journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils
of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen,
in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils among
false brethren; in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in
cold and nakedness. 2 Cor. 11:24–27.
Yea, it appears from the first epistle to the Corinthians, that he was
thrown before the wild beasts in a theatre at Ephesus, to be torn to
pieces, or, at least, to fight for his life with them; from which God
at that time delivered him. Concerning this, the intelligent may judge;
he writes, “If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at
Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not?” 1 Cor. 15:32.
As regards his imprisonment at Rome, most of the ancient writers are of
the opinion that, although nearly all his friends forsook him at the
time when he was to make his defense, he, being brought before Cesar,
defended himself so cleverly against the accusations of the Jews, that
he was set free for this time. But how true this is, we leave to its
own merits, and to the omniscient God. This much, however, is certain,
that while in prison at Rome, he wrote to his spiritual son Timothy,
that he was now ready to be offered as a drink offering, and that the
time of his departure was at hand; but that he took comfort in the
thought, that he had fought a good fight, finished his course, and kept
the faith, and that there was laid up for him a crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous judge, should give him at that day. 2
Tim. 4:6–8.
According to ancient records he was then beheaded at the command of
Nero, outside of Rome, on the road that leads to Ostia, called _Via
Ostiensis_, where the Romans used to have their place of execution, in
the last year of Nero, or about A. D. 69. _Joh. Gys._ in the _History
of the Martyrs_, from _Joseph Scaliger_, about Paul. _Egesipp. Hist.
Destruc. Jerusal., lib. 3, cap. 2. Konst-tooneel van veertig heerlijke
afbeeldingen Christi en sijner Apostelen_, printed _Anno 1609_; about
the life of Paul. _Itinerarium Sacræ Scripturæ, per H. Bunting_,
translated into the Dutch by _Matthias Hazard_; printed _Anno 1642_, in
the _Travels of Paul, page 162. col. 1._
THE MARTYRDOM OF SOME OF PAUL’S FRIENDS AND BRETHREN WHO WERE
IMPRISONED WITH HIM SHORTLY AFTER HE WAS OFFERED UP; BESIDES OTHERS WHO
WERE SLAIN AFTERWARDS.
It is related that shortly after the death of the Apostle Paul, his
brethren and fellow-prisoners, whom he mentions in the epistles which
he wrote from his prison, namely: Aristarchus, Epaphras, Aquila,
Prisca, Andronicus, Junias, Silas or Silvanus, Onesiphorus, etc.,
followed in his footsteps in suffering for the name of Christ.
ARISTARCHUS, A TRAVELING COMPANION OF PAUL, SLAIN AT ROME, UNDER NERO,
ABOUT A. D. 70.
Aristarchus, a native of Thessalonica, was, with Gaius, Paul’s
companion in his journey from Macedonia to Asia; with which Gaius he
was apprehended at a certain time, in an uproar at Ephesus, but for
that time made his escape. Afterwards, however, he was brought to Rome
a prisoner, just at the time that Paul also was apprehended for the
testimony of Jesus Christ.
This friend of God saluted the church at Colosse by the hand of Paul;
of which Paul makes mention, writing, “Aristarchus my fellow prisoner
saluteth you.” Col. 4:10.
This imprisonment, however, was not the end of it; for he was also
devoured by that cruel lion, Nero, about the time of Paul’s death after
having been several years previously a faithful pastor of the church at
Thessalonica. _A. Mell. 1st Book, van de Hist. der vervolg. en Mart._,
printed at Dort, _Anno 1619, fol. 17, col. 4_, from _Bedæ Usuard. Adon.
Mart. Rom. 4 aug._ Also, _Menol. Græc. 14 April_.
EPAPHRAS, A FELLOW PRISONER OF PAUL, SLAIN UNDER NERO, ABOUT A. D. 70.
Epaphras was a faithful minister of Jesus Christ for the church at
Colosse, which, while in bonds at Rome, he saluted by the hand of
Paul, as appears from the epistle Paul wrote from his prison at Rome
to the Colossians, in which, among other things, he says: “Epaphras,
who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always laboring
fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in
all the will of God. For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal
for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.” Col.
4:12,13.
Concerning his being a prisoner with Paul, or, apparently, sharing the
same dungeon with him, Paul writes to Philemon, in the conclusion of
the epistle: “There salute thee Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ
Jesus.” Verse 23.
Hence, it follows that those write not without foundation, who hold
that Epaphras also suffered a violent death under the persecution of
Nero. _Idem, Ibidem. ex Mart. Rom. 19. Jul._
FOUR FELLOW-LABORERS AND RELATIVES OF PAUL, NAMELY: PRISCA, AQUILA,
ANDRONICUS, AND JUNIA, MARTYRED AT ROME, UNDER NERO, ABOUT A. D. 70.
The apostle Paul, at the conclusion of his epistle to the church of
God at Rome, very lovingly saluting different saints residing there,
mentions, among others, two persons who had laid down their own necks
for his life; also two others whom he calls his fellow-prisoners,
doubtless, because they were subject, with him, to like persecution and
suffering on account of the name of Christ. All these he mentions by
name, and salutes them in apostolic manner.
Of the first two he writes thus: “Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my
helpers in Christ Jesus: who have for my life laid down their own
necks.” Rom. 16:3,4.
The last two he mentions in this manner: “Salute Andronicus and
Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note among the
apostles, who also were in Christ before me.” Verse 7.
What was the end of these persons, is stated neither in Paul’s epistles
nor in any other part of the New Testament; but other writers hold,
that, in the aforementioned persecution of Nero, they suffered and
fought unto death for the truth of Jesus Christ; which can not well be
contradicted, since the bloodthirstiness of this emperor, especially
against the Christians, was so great, that but few of those who fell
into his hands escaped without bloodshed or a miserable death. _See
above._
SILAS, OR SILVANUS, SCOURGED AT PHILIPPI, IN MACEDONIA, AND DIED A
MARTYR, ABOUT A. D. 70.
Silas, also called Silvanus, together with Judas, surnamed Barsabas,
was added to the Apostles Paul and Barnabas. These men were leaders
among the brethren, and were to bear testimony to those matters which
had been considered and decided upon by the apostles at Jerusalem, for
the welfare of the church of God. Acts 15:27,34.
This Silas having once promoted, with Paul, the work of the holy
Gospel, at Philippi, in Macedonia, he was apprehended together with
Paul, brought before the rulers, publicly scourged, though without
trial, and thus maltreated, cast into prison, against right and reason,
with his feet made fast in the stocks; but was by divine Providence
miraculously delivered, an earthquake at midnight opening the doors of
the prison. Acts 16:19–39.
According to the statements of some writers, he afterwards became
bishop of the church at Corinth, and died a martyr after having done
much preaching. This much is certain, according to the testimony of
Holy Scripture, that he was not only apprehended and scourged for the
Gospel’s sake, but suffered many indignities before his end. _A. Mell.,
1st Book, van de Hist. der Vervolg., fol. 18, col. 1._
ONESIPHORUS, A FRIEND OF PAUL, AND PORPHYRIUS, HIS COMPANION, TIED TO
WILD HORSES, AND DRAGGED, OR TORN, TO DEATH, AT HELLESPONTUS, THROUGH
THE EDICT OF NERO, ABOUT A. D. 70.
Onesiphorus was an Asian, a citizen of Ephesus, in Asia Minor, and
very virtuous and godly in life, so that he frequently came to visit,
converse with, and comfort, the apostle Paul in his bonds at Rome; on
account of which Paul rejoiced with all his heart, and prayed to God to
reward him for this kindness in the great day of recompense. Concerning
this, Paul writes thus to Timothy: “The Lord give mercy unto the house
of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my
chain: but when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and
found me. The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord
in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus,
thou knowest very well.” 2 Tim. 1:16–18. In the conclusion of the same
letter he affectionately salutes the household of Onesiphorus, saying,
“Salute ... and the household of Onesiphorus.... Grace be with you.
Amen.” Verses 19,22.
Some writers say that this pious man was bishop of (the church of)
Colophon; others, of Coronia: but whether Colophon and Coronia at that
time were not one and the same city, called by two different names;
or, if they were two separate cities, whether he had the oversight
over both churches at once, is a matter of little consequence. It is
sufficient for us, that the historians agree in the fact that he and
Porphyrius, his fellow servant of Jesus Christ, were first beaten
with many severe stripes at Hellespontus, by the order of Adrianus
the governor, and afterwards, both together, tied to wild horses, and
thus dragged or torn to death, by virtue of Nero’s bloody edict. _A.
Mellin., 1st Book van de historien der Vervolgingen en Martelaren_,
printed _A. D. 1619, fol. 18, col. 2, from Doroth., in Synopsi Mart.
Rom. 6 Sept._
ANDREW, THE HOLY APOSTLE, CRUCIFIED AT PATRAS, IN ACHAIA, ABOUT A. D.
70.
[Illustration: ANDREW, THE APOSTLE, CRUCIFIED AT PATRAS.]
Andrew, the son of Jona, and brother of Peter, was a native of
Bethsaida in Galilee. He was first a disciple of John the Baptist, and
since he was older than Peter, and knew Christ first, he brought his
brother to Christ as to the true Messiah. Being also a fisherman, like
Peter, the Lord called him, and promised to make him a fisher of men.
John 1:44,40,42; Matt. 4:18,19.
And because he zealously followed the Lord, and was instructed in
the evangelical doctrine, so that he was worthy to be filled with
the spirit of miracles, the Lord ordained him as one of his twelve
apostles; in which ministry he, with the others, faithfully labored
among the Jews. Matt. 10:2; Mark 6:7.