CHAPTER XXXVIII

AWAITING TRIAL BEFORE NERO

It was a little past mid‐day, after a toilsome journey, that Julius, with his notable prisoner, accompanied by Luke, Aristarchus, and a few soldiers, approached the city of the Cæsars. From the summit of a rise in the Appian Way, a few miles distant, Saulus had the first view of the place of his fateful residence. The long wall of blue Sabine mountains, with Soracte in the distance, enclosed the broad Campagna, which stretched across to the sea and around the base of the Alban hills. The great city seemed blended in one indiscriminate mass of color, in which were mingled every grade and variety of human domiciles, with colossal baths, temples, theatres, colonnades, and palaces, relieved by the gilded domes and roofs which flashed forth the brightness of the warm afternoon sun. As they approached the emporium, the great thoroughfare became more confusing and thronged. It seemed like a mighty, swift‐flowing river with counter currents. Chariots, richly carved and gilded, drawn by three or four horses abreast, two and four wheeled vehicles of all qualities, luxurious litters, inlaid with mother of pearl, carried upon the shoulders of slaves, whose proud occupants looked down upon pedestrians, horsemen, and footmen of all nationalities, soldiers and civilians, patricians and beggars, formed a dense and endless moving panorama. It was the pulsation of the main artery near the heart of the world. On either side were countless tombs, architecturally beautiful, containing numerous bas‐ reliefs and inscriptions, including those of the Scipios, Cæcilia Metella, and others of notable fame, with endless statues, columns, and other stately memorials.

“What conflux issuing forth or passing in; Prætors, Proconsuls to their provinces Hasting, or on return, in robes of state, Lictors and rods, the ensigns of their power, Legions and cohorts, turms of horse and wings, Or embassies from regions far remote, In various habits, on the Appian road ... Dusk faces with white silken turbans wreathed.”

Many an eye glanced with disdainful curiosity upon the chained Saulus and his little knot of Jewish sympathizers, as they threaded their way among the crowd with an escort of soldiers. At length in the distance they catch sight of the imperial palaces on the Palatine Hill, and still beyond, crowning the summit of Capitolinus, the Capitol, or Tabularium. Soon they pass by the fountain of Egeria, thence by the pyramid of C. Cestius, under the arch of Drusus, and through the Capenian gate. Turning abruptly to the right at the Circus Maximus, their route is lined with temples, triumphal arches, baths, and statues, until they finally reach the barracks of the Prætorian guard, which was always kept close at hand for the immediate service of Cæsar.

Saulus, by his own appeal, was now at the seat of the governmental and military power of the earth. Even though coming as a prisoner, a long dream of his life was now accomplished. He was in Rome.

Julius left his prisoner with the guard at the entrance to the barracks, and made his way to the office of Africanus Burrus, the Prætorian Præfect, to announce the termination of his long and successful commission. After the usual military salute, the centurion began his report,—

“O Præfect! I come to make known my return from Cæsarea with the prisoner Saulus, in charge of whom I was sent, and now he is here, ready to be delivered into thy keeping.”

“It is well! I commend thee that thine arduous service hath been accomplished. But so long a time hath passed since I was informed concerning this case that I have forgotten about the nature of the charge. I must consult the records.”

While the scribe of the Præfect was searching the docket, Julius continued his verbal report,—

“The man is a Jew, but hath the rights of Roman citizenship. After being tried by Agrippa, he appealed unto Cæsar.”

“Ah, yes! I now call him to mind. He is the one who stirred up such a commotion among the Jews at Jerusalem and Cæsarea. He was charged with preaching a strange faith, and worshipping some unknown god. Was he also answerable for speaking against the authority of Cæsar?”

“Nay; his political loyalty was unquestioned! His only real offence was some violation of Judaism. There was a great clamor among the Jews for his punishment, and even death. Their national religion appears to be peculiarly bigoted and intolerant. I am minded that King Agrippa found no real fault in him. I heard that it was declared both by Festus and Agrippa that the man had done nothing worthy of death or even bonds, and that he might have been set free had he not appealed to Cæsar. Feeling the injustice of the accusations which came from his own countrymen, he nobly sought the highest tribunal.”

“He must be an uncommon prisoner, and I shall accord him special privileges!”

“I rejoice in that! Though a chained prisoner, he is the wisest and most marvellous man that I have ever known. He is gifted with more knowledge, even about sailing a ship, than the master with whom we took passage. Had his advice been followed, we should have been spared a shipwreck, and even then, but for his wisdom and wonderful encouragement, I am persuaded that all on board would have perished.”

“May the gods be merciful to him! Thine experience proves that a prisoner may sometimes be a philosopher,” said the Præfect thoughtfully; “but how unfortunate that a man of such superior wisdom should be a devotee of a strange and superstitious religion!”

“Yea! He pays homage to a countryman of his own—a Nazarene whose name was Jesus—whom he calls ‘the Christ.’ He teaches that this Christ was a God‐ man, and therefore a leader and ruler; but that his kingdom is in the souls of men, and that it hath no dishonor for the government of Cæsar.”

“Shade of Apollo! that is a strange kind of an empire! Even our Roman gods have but feeble power to change the feelings and conduct of men. But it would seem that much learning hath made the man strange, and perchance a little beside himself!”

“So I thought at first sight, most excellent Præfect! but his life, virtue, and power are marvellous. He hath ability, through his God, to heal the sick and cast out foul spirits, and both at Melita and Puteoli he did many wonderful works. The inhabitants were unwilling to part with him.”

“Our soothsayers essay to perform miracles, but I have in no wise confidence in their pretension. But your report hath made me much interested in your notable prisoner. I shall give him as large a liberty as my duty will allow.”

“I assure thee that he in no wise will abuse it,” said the centurion with enthusiasm. “Behold his presence, though not at first outwardly prepossessing, is very attractive and helpful! I cannot describe it, but he is unlike any other man I ever knew. I feel strangely loath to part with him. But my duty is ended, and I have only to deliver him into thy hands.”

Julius then handed to Burrus the sealed parchments that were sent by Festus and King Agrippa. The Præfect broke the seals, and carefully read the contents.

“I perceive that this is an unwonted and prejudiced case from the beginning. The charges are made wholly by the Jews, who accuse the man of sedition and blasphemy. But there is no evidence here. Did any witnesses come with thee?”

“None, O Præfect! but I was informed that some were to follow. It hath been made known to me that a vessel which sailed from Cæsarea soon after ours was lost in the same terrible storm in which we were shipwrecked. Peradventure some of the accusers of Saulus were aboard of her.”

“That may cause delay in the trial. But what dost thou think of the charges?”

“That they are false, and have no basis other than in the prejudice of that peculiar people, the Jews. Notwithstanding his strange faith, which we cannot rightly understand, he is a man whom gods and men must reverence, yea, even love.”

“I would look upon the face of this unwonted Jew,” said Burrus. “Bring him in!”

The centurion left and soon returned, conducting his prisoner into the presence of the Præfect. Saulus showed signs of his many hardships, and his face looked like one whose life had been exposed to many strains and shocks. His hair was gray, his brow furrowed, and his cheeks hollow, but his eyes were bright and piercing. While unattractive in form and feature, there was an indescribable light and vigor within, which seemed to shine through the flesh, and impress and attract the most careless beholder.

“This is thy prisoner, O Præfect, Saulus of Tarsus!” said Julius.

Saulus gave the Præfect a proper greeting.

“The report of the centurion to which I have listened giveth me great respect for thee. Thy captivity shall be made as easy as my service to Cæsar will allow, and when opportunity offers I shall be pleased to have some converse with thee. But now, after thy long journey, thou dost need rest and refreshment, so for the present I will send thee to thy quarters.”

Saulus thanked the Præfect for his kindly words.

A Prætorian was directed to take him to a comfortable outer room in the best part of the prisoners’ quarters, and the order was given that he be allowed to hire a house in the vicinity for himself, if he so desired, until the time of his trial.

Beyond the Tiber, in a district mostly squalid and miserable, there had grown up a large community of Jews. It was the residential section of the rabble, and headquarters for the most ignoble trades and poorest merchandise. Although low and thoroughly despised by the Romans, but a small portion of the Hebrews were slaves. At this time toleration was general, and both they and the Christians enjoyed immunity from disturbance in their synagogue services.

As ever before and since, the Jewish element was distinct and unamalgamated. Through all the ages they have been a standing wonder,—a “peculiar people.”

As soon as Saulus was settled in Rome, in order that his countrymen might not misunderstand his position, he lost no time in inviting their principal men—the rulers and elders of the synagogues—to meet him, so that he might disabuse them of prejudice, which many of them already had concerning him. They were sharply divided into parties and sects. There were Jews of the old order, who were hostile to Christianity; Judaizing Christians, or such as nominally accepted the Prophet of Nazareth, but clung to ceremonialism; and a few converts to the New Faith, who nearly or quite disregarded the traditional code. With such incongruous elements Saulus began his labors, striving upon the basis of essential truth to harmonize their discords and make peace.

At the time appointed, which was only three days after his arrival, the room of Saulus was crowded with the principal representatives of the various sects which he had invited to meet him. While intending to preach the gospel both to Jew and Gentile, he was minded to begin by an effort to conciliate the feelings of his Hebrew brethren both toward himself and the New Faith. He came at once to the point, as soon as his auditors were convened, and began his address.

“Brethren and friends! I would make known unto you that I am no traitor to our nation because I have appealed to the Roman power. It hath been rumored among you that I have come to Rome as an accuser of the Sanhedrin before Cæsar. But instead, I have come to defend myself against its enmity. The chief priests and elders invoked the lower tribunals of the foreign power, and thus compelled me to appeal to the supreme authority for justice and vindication. I have committed no offence against Israel, or the customs of our fathers, yet my countrymen delivered me up with accusations of sedition and blasphemy.

“Behold I am one of your brethren—of the seed of Abraham—of the tribe of Benjamin—a Hebrew of the Hebrews, and my labors have been abundant for the salvation of our people! Even the Roman governor was ready to set me free, but my Jewish enemies would none of it.

“I call God to witness that my only crime hath been my firm faith in the deliverance of his people through the Messiah, foretold and promised by the prophets of old. I am set for the defence of the gospel, not by envy and strife, but through love and good‐will, that it may abound unto all nations and to you‐ward. Behold the covenant which the God of glory made with our father Abraham, and the testimony to Moses while in the wilderness to raise up a Prophet unto us, and the Holy One spoken of by Isaiah, all are fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth! As foretold, he was put to death, and opened not his mouth against his enemies. I beseech you, do not vainly continue to look for a warlike Messiah, who, through garments rolled in blood, shall restore only a seen kingdom, whereby the things of this world prevail! Behold in due season a spiritual dominion cometh which shall fill the whole earth! Carnal weapons must give place to the sword of the Spirit, until all nations shall be brought under the mild sway of the Prince of Peace. The Prophet of Nazareth laid the foundation for an Universal Kingdom, but its coming will be without observation.

“I might persuade you by arguments without end, drawn from your own Scriptures, of the truth of the spiritual faith which I proclaim! I could fill your ears with the warnings, promises, and inspirations of the ancient patriarchs, law‐givers, singers, and prophets that have arisen among our own people. I beseech you, therefore, to lay aside every prejudice, and no longer dwell in dead forms and ceremonies. I would that ye be transformed by the renewing of your minds through the power of the Holy Ghost. I beseech you to give heed unto the words I have spoken, and declare unto you that it is for the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain!”

Instead of bringing peace, the earnest appeal of Saulus increased the dissensions among his auditors.

It was ever thus. Truth, when launched into the midst of error and prejudice, unfailingly stirs them up, and brings their bitter dregs to the surface. There is far more hope of winning an honest sceptic than a self‐ satisfied bigot. The Gentiles, or heathen, finally proved much more accessible to the New Faith than the Chosen People themselves, although the number of Hebrew Christians somewhat increased.

After a heated discussion, the larger part of the audience withdrew, and a formal separation took place between them and the “Apostle to the Gentiles.”

During the two years that the trial of Saulus, for various reasons, was delayed, he remained in his own hired house, and was permitted much liberty in proclaiming the power of the gospel to all who came to him. He also wrote important letters to the churches of the East. But he was still a prisoner, chained by the arm, both night and day, to a Prætorian. Many of the rough soldiers who guarded him were moulded by his influence, and thoroughly transformed in life and character by the spiritual righteousness which he awakened within them. Even some of the household of Cæsar and a few patricians were touched to the heart by the halo of the divinity which shone out through the personality of the great Apostle.

As fair white lilies sometimes shoot up from the foul black slime at the bottom of a pond so that their fragrance is wafted abroad by the breezes of heaven, so the seed of a spiritual tree was scattered in the great seething morass of corruption on the banks of the Tiber, which would yet spring up and overspread the nations with its branches.