In his Epistle to the Romans the Apostle declared that the faith of the Roman believers, like the imperial city itself, was spoken of throughout the world. He spoke of Aquila and Priscilla. In chapter 16, he gave them a testimonial of undying fame as the helpers of one of the greatest of God's servants. Indeed for his life they laid down their own necks (lit., submitted their throats to the knife). He had a word of comment or commendation for each of the thirty or so names he put on record. They are like David's thirty mighty men and it is of great encouragement to notice that about one-third part of Paul's "mighties" were women. Many of them when they heard that Paul was coming to Rome went forty miles on the way to meet him, and by their fellowship and sympathy gave him great encouragement. It was a beautiful testimony to the unity of the faith. The Apostle had said he longed to see them that he might impart some spiritual gifts to them and establish them and that he might be comforted by means of their mutual faith. When he realized the motives which led them to come so far at a measure of personal risk to salute him, he was filled with thanksgiving to God. It is striking how often Paul was comforted by Christian fellowship and the coming of friends. As Christians we are to be full of thanksgiving.

Paul had longed to go to Rome. He had made request that his journey might be a prosperous one (Rom. 1:10). He got there by way of a riot, a castle imprisonment, a flight to Caesarea, a trial before Felix, two years in prison, a trial before Festus, and another before Agrippa, a voyage on three different ships, shipwrecks, storms, all sorts of vicissitudes and perils, and now bound with a chain to a soldier he was to be tried for his life. A prosperous journey indeed, but our soul prosperity is promoted more by adverse than prosperous circumstances, and he could stand out on that night of the storm with the words of an unconquerable faith, "Sirs, be of good cheer, for I believe God." In many a moral storm, and darkness, in drifting circumstances, Christians have heard the call of that inner voice to renewed hope and courage.

For two years Paul dwelt in his own hired house. He had not entire freedom, but he was permitted to receive his friends and his house became the focus of pilgrimage. When his visitors came he did not take up time speaking of the vexatious delays of his trial and the burden of his chain. He preached the Kingdom of God, not that side which is administrative but the moral and spiritual aspect. As in his Epistle, he said that the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. He preached with all confidence, literally, with "freedom of speech," unhinderedly. His arm was chained, but not so his spirit or his tongue. What renders the testimony so feeble today is the lack of assurance. The fruit of Paul's assurance was soon made manifest, and this is in evidence by his letter to the Philippian believers. "All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household." Each day a different soldier of the guards was detailed to take charge of him, thus one by one these soldiers heard him preach and teach and had the opportunity of personal conversation with their prisoner. So some of these became the saints of Caesar's household. T. Oliver (Galashiels)
O Speak to Me of JESUS