The great fame of Saulus as an apostle, preacher, and healer had long before preceded him, and soon the news of his arrival, as a prisoner on his way to Rome, became noised abroad. Serenus also, though less known to the common people, had much reputation.
On the day already noted, being the fifth after the landing of Saulus, a noisy group, composed mainly of idlers who frequented the streets, gathered near the meeting-place of the disciples. In the midst of the boisterous crowd, a man whose appearance indicated that he was of the lower orders, seemed to be the principal subject of an animated controversy.
“He is no other than the cripple!” said one.
“He is not the cripple, but is like him!” said another.
The man was straight, and had full command of his limbs, and began to dance with a light step to show his agility. His name was Lausus, formerly a sailor, but from the effect of a fall several years before had [pg 466]long been a cripple. He had sold small trinkets about the streets until he became familiarly known as “The Cripple.”
The dispute continued.
“He is the cripple and has been healed!”
“He is a hypocrite, and one of the fanatics who are traitors to Cæsar! I declare to you that they are sorcerers, and worship a Nazarene Jew whom they call Christus!”
“It is truly Lausus! let him speak for himself!”
There was a pause as he beckoned for silence.