PAUL'S FINAL WITNESS
Paul was taken privately to the place of execution. Few people were allowed to be present. Paul's persecutors were afraid of Paul's influence on the people. The persecutors were afraid that more people would be won to Christianity by watching Paul die. The soldiers who were with Paul listened to Paul's words and were amazed to see him cheerful and happy. People who saw Paul die saw Paul's spirit of forgiveness toward his murderers and his trust in Christ. Some of these people accepted Christ and later died because of their faith.SRme 1.1429
The life of Paul revealed the truth of his words when he wrote: "The God who said, 'Out of darkness the light shall shine!' is the same God who made His light shine in our hearts, to bring us the knowledge of God's glory shining in the face of Christ.SRme 1.1430
"Yet we who have this spiritual treasure are like common clay pots, in order to show that the supreme power belongs to God, not to us. We are often troubled, but not crushed, sometimes in doubt, but never in despair; there are many enemies, but we are never without a friend; and though badly hurt at times, we are not destroyed. At all times we carry in our mortal bodies the death of Jesus, so that His life also may be seen in our bodies" (2 Cor. 4:6-10).SRme 1.1431
Paul's power was not in himself but in the presence and help of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit filled Paul. Paul did the will of God. Paul's life was an example of the truth. Paul's preaching and actions were filled with spiritual power. Isaiah, the prophet said: "You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in You" (Isaiah 26:3). The peace that came from heaven was seen on Paul's face. That peace won many people to Jesus.SRme 1.1432
Paul was looking into the future, not with fear, but with joyful hope. As Paul stood at the place of death, he did not see the shining sword that would cut off his head. Paul did not see the green earth that would soon receive his blood. Instead Paul looked up through the calm blue heaven of that summer day to the throne of the Eternal. His prayer was, "O Lord, You are my comfort! You are all that I have. When shall I hold you with my arms? When shall I see You for myself without a dark veil between?"SRme 1.1433
People who knew Paul felt the love and beauty of heaven through Paul's life. These people felt the influence of Paul's relationship with Christ and with angels. The influence of a holy life is the most powerful sermon that can be preached in favor of Christianity. An argument that cannot be answered may easily result in anger and rejection. But a godly example has a power that is impossible to completely resist.SRme 1.1434
Paul did not think about his own death. Paul was concerned for the believers he was soon to leave. The believers would also suffer hatred and persecution. Paul tried to strengthen the few Christians who were allowed to go with him to the place of his death. To the believers Paul repeated the precious promises given for all people who are persecuted for righteousness' sake. Paul told the believers that the Lord would keep all the promises that He made to His tempted and faithful people. These faithful people will arise and shine [preach], for the light of the Lord will arise on them. These people will put on their beautiful clothing when the glory of the Lord shall be seen at Jesus' second coming.SRme 1.1435
Paul told the Christians that they would have many temptations. The Christians might not have earthly comforts, but they must encourage their hearts with the promises of God's faithfulness. The Christians may say, "I know whom I have trusted, and I am sure that He is able to keep safe until that Day what He has entrusted to me" (2 Tim. 1:12). Soon the night of suffering shall be over and the glad morning of peace and perfect day shall come.SRme 1.1436
The Captain of our salvation [Jesus] prepared His servant, Paul, for his last great trial. Paul was certain that he was precious to his Redeemer. Paul had been bought by the sacrifice of Christ, washed from sin in Christ's blood, and clothed in Christ's righteousness. Paul's life was hid with Christ in God. Paul knew that Christ had conquered death. Christ was able to save Paul. Paul accepted the Saviour's promise, "I will raise him up at the last day" (John 6:40). Paul's thoughts and hopes were on theSRme 1.1437
second coming of Christ.SRme 1.1438
The sword fell and Paul died. But Paul's last thought was of meeting Christ who shall welcome Paul to the joy of heaven.SRme 1.1439
Almost two thousand years have passed since Paul died as a witness for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. No one wrote about the last hours of Paul's life. But the Bible has kept for us Paul's dying testimony. As clear as the sound of a trumpet, Paul's message has been told again and again since Paul died. The story of Paul's courage has strengthened thousands of witnesses for Christ.SRme 1.1440
Paul's words stayed in the minds of many people. The words were of triumphant joy: "As for me, the hour has come for me to be sacrificed [die]; the time is here for me to leave this life. I have done my best in the race, I have run the full distance, and I have kept the faith. And now there is waiting for me the prize of victory awarded for a righteous life, the prize which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that Day--and not only to me, but to all those who wait with love for Him to appear" (2 Tim. 4:6-8).SRme 1.1441