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✍🏾Saint Paul’s Persecution in Ephesus:
During the ministry of Saint Paul, the worshipers of the goddess Artemis stirred up great trouble against him and his disciples. At Ephesus, a silversmith named Demetrius, who made idols of Artemis, saw his trade threatened by Paul’s preaching, which taught that “gods made with hands are not gods at all.” Gathering the craftsmen together, Demetrius said, “Men, you know we have our wealth from this business, but this Paul has persuaded many people, not only in Ephesus but throughout Asia, to turn away from our goddess.”
Enraged, the people began shouting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” and the whole city was thrown into confusion. The mob seized Paul’s companions, Gaius and Aristarchus, and dragged them into the public theater. (Acts 19:23–41)Through this turmoil, Saint Paul endured hardship and danger for the sake of the Gospel.
7. Saint Peter (Martyrdom):
Both Saint Peter and Saint Paul were martyred during the reign of Emperor Nero. After Saint Peter had traveled throughout the world preaching the Gospel, he was sentenced to death in his old age by a Roman ruler who hated Christians. While he was leaving the city of Rome to escape the danger.
As he was leaving the city of Rome, he saw our Lord coming toward him, carrying the Cross. Saint Peter asked, “Lord, where are You going?”
Our Lord replied, "am going to be crucified in Rome, because there is no one to be crucified for Me.”
Hearing this, Saint Peter was filled with repentance and returned to Rome. There, after being scourged according to Roman custom, he was led to the place of execution. Out of humility, he said to his executioners, “Crucify me not as my Lord was crucified, but with my head downward.” The Roman soldiers did as he requested. Thus, Saint Peter accepted the cross with faith and was crowned with martyrdom.
8. Saint Paul (Martyrdom):
Saint Paul was also brought before Emperor Nero and condemned to death for his faith. When the soldiers were taking him away to be killed, he accepted the cloak of a young woman who belonged to King Nero and said, “Today I will return this to you.” Then, covering his face with the young woman’s cloak, he was beheaded with a sword and received the crown of martyrdom. His disciples took his body and buried it with great honor.
When the executioner returned to Nero, the young woman asked, “Where is Paul?”
He replied, “He has been beheaded and lies there covered with your cloak.”
She answered, “You are lying, for Peter and Paul passed by me clothed in royal garments, wearing crowns of pearls. They gave me back my cloak behold, here it is.” When the people saw this, they were astonished and believed in our Lord Jesus Christ.
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