From Trials to Triumph

186/217

Why Paul Was Not Afraid

The apostle was looking into the great beyond with joyous hope and longing expectation. As he stood at the place of martyrdom, he saw not the sword of the executioner or the earth so soon to receive his blood; he looked up through the calm blue heaven of that summer day to the throne of the Eternal. TT 269.2

This man of faith beheld the ladder of Jacob's vision—Christ connecting earth with heaven. He called to mind how patriarchs and prophets relied upon the One who was his support, and from these holy men he heard the assurance that God is true. His fellow apostles who counted not their lives dear unto themselves that they might bear the light of the cross amidst the dark mazes of infidelity—these he heard witnessing to Jesus as the Son of God, the Saviour of the world. From the rack, the stake, the dungeon, from dens and caves of the earth, there fell on his ear the martyr's shout of triumph, declaring, “I know whom I have believed.” TT 269.3

Ransomed by the sacrifice of Christ and clothed in His righteousness, Paul had the witness in himself that He who conquered death is able to keep that which is committed to His trust. His mind grasped the Saviour's promise, “I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:40. His hopes centered on the second coming of his Lord. And as the sword of the executioner descended, the martyr's thought sprang forward to meet the Life-giver. TT 269.4

Nearly twenty centuries have passed since Paul poured out his blood for the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus. No faithful hand recorded the last scenes in the life of this holy man, but Inspiration has preserved his dying testimony. Like a trumpet peal His voice has rung out through all the ages since, nerving with courage thousands of witnesses for Christ, and wakening in sorrow-stricken hearts the echo of his own triumphant joy: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7, 8. TT 270.1