Acts 28:30-31

I learned something new today. Perhaps I once knew it, and then forgot it. I learned it by reviewing the timeline of Paul’s life. I knew that Paul went to Rome as a prisoner and I knew that historians say that Nero had Paul executed by beheading. What I did not remember was the time span between the two events.

Paul arrived in Rome as a prisoner sometime in 61 AD. For two years, he lived in private quarters that he rented while under guard. Many people came to visit him and he was able to preach the gospel and teach about the Lord Jesus Christ. He did so, boldly and without hindrance. It was during these two years, while under arrest, that Paul wrote Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians and Philippians.

Because Acts tells the story, (but only the beginning of the story), of the church, Luke ends abruptly. He does not tell us the rest of Paul’s story. Paul appeared before the emperor and because of the failure of his accusers to appear, the emperor released him. The details of the rest of Paul’s ministry are scarce. We know that Paul visited and preached in cities along the Aegean Sea. Sometime in 65-66 AD, he wrote 1 Timothy and Titus. We do not have the details, but in 67 AD, the authorities again arrested Paul. After his arrest, he wrote a second letter to Timothy. Later that year Nero had Paul executed. Paul was about 64 years old when he died. By the standards of the time, Paul lived a long life.

Traveling to make his second defense before Nero, Paul tells Timothy, “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom.” (2 Timothy 4:18). Paul’s first acquittal was not the ultimate rescue. Any acquittal or healing, that leaves us on earth, is not the end. When Paul lost his head, he gained eternal life; that was the ultimate rescue. God rescued Paul and He will rescue us.