POST 13 - Paul Dies Again

by William W. Orr, A.B., M.A., Th.B., D.D.. Pastor and Teacher.

     We must not be too surprised to learn that Paul died twice.  Others also have gone through death twice -- notiably Lazarus (John 11:4), the son of the widow of Nain (Luke &;15), and Jairus' little daughter (Mark 5:39-43).

     After Paul had been taken prisoner in Jerusalem, he spetn two years in a prison in Casarea and finally was shipped to Rome.  After a series of remakable adventures, he appear before Nero.  During his first imprisonment in Rome he had many liberties.  He was apparently released after about two years.  Following this release, he visited his beloved churches once more and possibly went as far as Spain in his missionary travels.  But with another wave of persecution againt the Christians, he was arrested again in Troas and taken to Rome.

     In his second imprisonment Paul was detained in the Mamertine prison, a notorious dungeon.  There he wrote to this dear son in the faith, Timothy, urging him to bring his cloak, his books and especially the parchments (II Tim. 4:13).

     We have no record of Paul's second death.  Tradition records that he was brought before Nero a second time, this time on the charge that he was a leader of the Christian sect.  There he was condemned to death by beheading on the Ostian Way, as became a Roman citizen.

     Since this was Paul's second experience with death, what was his philosophy?  How did he view death?  We are not left in doubt;  for Paul describes his coming death as the pouring out of a drink offering, a libation presented in honor of winning a prize.  Death to him was now a noteworthy occasion.  Indeed, he had run the race with and had won.  Now there was to be the divine acknowledgment of his victory (II Tim. 4:6-8).

     Moreover, Paul had undergone this test before (Phil.1:20-23).  The experience of dying to him was great gain.  To depart meant to be with Christ, which was much better than anything earth ever offered.  So the great apostle died.  One moment he was on the Roman road; the next in the presence of the Lord in glory, where there was "fullness of joy."

We are interested in YOUR RESPONSE.   Please use the COMMENT section at the end of EACH POST for your response and impressions.  Was this post helpful to you?   How?