From Trials to Triumph

Nero Hears God's Last Call

Never had Nero heard truth as he heard it on this occasion. He trembled with terror at the thought of a tribunal before which he, the ruler of the world, would finally be arraigned. He feared the apostle's God, and he dared not pass sentence on Paul. A sense of awe restrained his bloodthirsty spirit. TT 261.1

For a moment, heaven was opened to the hardened Nero, and its peace and purity seemed desirable. But only for a moment was the thought of pardon welcomed. Then the command was issued that Paul be taken back to his dungeon. As the door closed upon the messenger of God, the door of repentance closed forever against the emperor of Rome. No ray of light was ever again to penetrate the darkness that enveloped him. TT 261.2

Not long after this, Nero sailed on his infamous expedition to Greece, where he disgraced himself and his kingdom by debasing frivolity. Returning to Rome, he engaged in scenes of revolting debauchery. In the midst of this revelry, a voice of tumult in the streets was heard. Galba, at the head of an army, was marching rapidly on Rome; insurrection had broken out in the city; the streets were filled with an enraged mob threatening death to the emperor and his supporters. TT 261.3

Fearful of torture at the hands of the mob, the wretched tyrant thought to end his life by his own hand, but at the critical moment his courage failed. He fled ignominiously from the city and sought shelter at a countryseat a few miles distant. But his hiding place was soon discovered, and as the pursuing horsemen drew near, he summoned a slave to his aid and inflicted on himself a mortal wound. Thus perished the tyrant Nero, at the age of thirty-two. TT 261.4