Martyrdom and Eternal Crown C

Continued👇🏾 Martyrdom and Eternal Crown (c. 67 AD) When Nero, in his madness, set Rome ablaze, he wickedly blamed the Christians. A persecution unmatched in cruelty began. Saint Paul, teaching in Nicopolis, was arrested once more. For two years and six months, he languished in a dark prison. But like Joseph in Egypt, the dungeon could not extinguish his wisdom nor his hope. Finally, on Sene 5, 67 AD, at the age of 74, he was led to the Ostian Way and beheaded, a martyr for the Lord whom he had once persecuted. Thus was fulfilled his own words: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). The Character and Virtues of the Apostle Humility: Though trained under Gamaliel and an expert in the Law, he called himself a “fool” for Christ (1 Cor. 15:8). He bent the lofty pride of his heart to the humble abasement of the Cross. Labor and Patience: He preached for 42 years, reaching even unto Spain. He was imprisoned, beaten, starved, and yet never ceased rejoicing. His letters, many written from prison, still overflow with consolation and truth. Wisdom and Tact: He was both the hammer and the father of the Church. Like a smith, he broke the idols of the Gentiles and forged them into the body of Christ. He brought Titus (a Gentile) and Barnabas (a Jew) together to symbolize the unity of the Church. Pastoral Love: In his epistles, he remembered the names of the faithful one by one. This was not sentimentality, but the shepherd’s mark to know his sheep. A Writer Inspired by the Spirit: His letters became scripture. When he could not be with his flocks, his pen became his presence. Even in chains, his words traveled further than he ever could in flesh. A Man of Labor: Though he taught daily, he worked with his own hands a tentmaker by trade (Acts 18:3–4). He refused to be a burden to the Church and taught, “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat” (2 Thess. 3:10). His Appearance According to the Eastern Tradition He was short in stature, with a bald head, bright blue eyes, joined eyebrows, and a large nose. His shoulders were broad, his feet curved close together. Not handsome in the eyes of the world, but radiant with the glory of Christ. Beloved brethren, Let us remember the Apostle Paul not merely as a teacher of doctrine but as a burning torch, a pillar of suffering, a vessel of grace. Let us imitate his humility, his tireless labor, his wisdom in speech, and above all, his unwavering love for Christ and His Church. May the name of the Holy God be praised forever and ever in every tongue that He has created, today and always. May the blessings of God's mother, the virgin, and the cross be upon us. Amen. © John's Repentance Reach out to us on our social media platforms and share it with your friends: https://linktr.ee/johnsrepentance