Testifying to the Emperor

History has been shaped by people of strong convictions and unashamed boldness, as in the case of the apostle Paul. To the church in Rome, he wrote, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ” (Romans 1:16). To the elders of the church in Ephesus, he stated that he was so committed “to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” that he did not count his own life dear to himself (Acts 20:24). Paul’s teachings were backed by his example, as when he appealed to Caesar (Acts 25:11, 12).

The Caesar, or Roman emperor, to whom Paul appealed was none other than the powerful and cruel Nero (AD 37–68).

In her book The Acts of the Apostles, Ellen White describes Paul’s trial before the emperor, whose name made the world tremble.

In that critical hour, Paul was left to stand alone (2 Timothy 4:16, 17).

But what a striking contrast between one of the most degraded rulers ever and one of the greatest Christians ever! Paul persuasively presented the truths of the gospel and of divine judgment. For a moment, even the heart of Nero was touched by the gospel message. Only a few years later, both men sealed their destinies.

In AD 67, Nero sentenced Paul to be decapitated, and the apostle gave up his life, fully assured that he would eventually be raised from the dead to receive his “crown of righteousness” (verses 6–8). Nero, having agitated his country’s ruling class and his own army commanders, fled from Rome in panic and committed suicide on June 9, AD 68. Unlike Paul, Nero’s ultimate destiny will be final annihilation along with the rest of the wicked. Ellen White affirmed, “What the church needs in these days of peril is an army of workers who, like Paul, have educated themselves for usefulness, who have a deep experience in the things of God, and who are filled with earnestness and zeal. Sanctified, self-sacrificing men are needed; men who will not shun trial and responsibility; men who are brave and true.”21 Are you willing to be one of those brave workers?