Jamuary 24, 2025 - Good Morning! It’s Friday, January 24.
On this day in 41 AD, a Roman emperor was assassinated. History has made him the “poster boy” for eccentric, evil Caesars. His great-grandfather was the first character mentioned in the Nativity story - “and it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus”. Augustus reigned for 40 years, his great-grandson only managed four. His name was Caligula.
Augustus never knew of his part in the Christmas story, never knew of Christ. The same was probably true of Caligula. When he began his reign in 37 AD, just a few years after Calvary, the new religion called “The Way” was considered by Rome (and pretty much everyone) to be just an offshoot, a sect, of the Jewish faith. Judaism was legal in the empire, and largely tolerated by the Roman government. And so, where did the persecution we read about in the Book of Acts come from? Largely it came from the Jewish establishment, from groups like the Pharisees, and, in particular, from one Pharisee. His name was Saul.
Saul was present as Stephen, a deacon of the early Church, was brutally executed. Perhaps he was responsible for the deaths of many other martyrs, as well. He was on his way to Damascus to arrest followers of The Way when he had a vision, an epiphany, a dramatic conversion experience. His life took a 180 degree turn that day, and he went on to become a leader in the new church. His ministry continued for over twenty years, stretching into the reign of another emperor, Caligula’s nephew, and another poster boy for powerful leaders who abuse their power. His name was Nero.
By the time that Nero rose to power in 54 AD, the Christian Church had exploded in size and spread throughout the empire. It was no longer considered a part of Judaism, and was viewed as a threat. Nero brought an awesome Roman hammer blow down upon the followers of Jesus. And, one day, a man was arrested, was brought to Rome, was put on trial, and was led to execution.
His name was Paul.
Meet you back here on Monday,
David
cindertex50@yahoo.com
