The witnesses who had come from Cæsarea were examined, and the papers in the case, which had been sent by Agrippa, read by the consul. It was plain to every one that the evidence was partial, and even contradictory. After the prosecution had been fully heard, Nero again cast his eyes indifferently upon Saulus.
“Hast thou any one to speak in thy defence?”
“With the consent of Cæsar, I would be heard briefly in my own behalf!” replied Saulus.
While the Apostle could but recoil from the character and personality of his judge, he was the man to respect the dignity which belonged to an exalted office. He began his reply in a manner courteous, calm, and respectful. Years of discipline had softened his native impetuosity, and given him thorough poise and self-command.
“I appear before this supreme tribunal, O Imperator, with assurance that I shall find complete justice at thy hands. As the fountain of government and power in this, the greatest Empire the world hath seen, I am persuaded that thou mayest look with indifference upon the small jealousies of Judean sectarianism. I might confidently rest my case before thee almost wholly upon the discordant and even contradictory testimony of my accusers. I call thee to witness, O Cæsar, that King Agrippa, who hath much knowledge of the religion of our nation, found me guiltless of the charges for which I am called to make answer! Behold the whole matter is but an opinion or interpretation between Jewish sects, concerning which the imperial government hath no concern!
“Regarding the first accusation, I have called in question the liberty of no man concerning the exercise of his religious faith. I went up to Jerusalem to take alms to the poor, and to preach a pure faith, but neither in the Temple, nor in the synagogue, nor the street, did I dispute with any man, nor in any manner disturb [pg 497]the peace! It is indeed true that I belong to the Nazarenes, which the scribes and elders call a heretical sect, but of a truth, we worship the God of our fathers. We accept the things which are written in the law and the prophets when truly interpreted, and peradventure it be allowable to have sects of Pharisees and Sadducees among the Jews, there is nothing more illegal in the existence of the Nazarenes. Behold it is but a question of religious liberty, which Rome, to her honor, guarantees to all her subjects. I have in all this controversy a conscience void of offence toward God and man!”
Nero moved uneasily, but made no interruption.
“The second accusation, alleging the profanation of the Temple, hath no foundation. Behold my visit was only in discharge of sacred duty, and I made no tumult with any man! Such a strange charge hath not been proven, and cometh only from the prejudice of the Sadducees. I have always held honor toward the Temple of our fathers, and in no way profaned its courts or ordinances.
“Concerning the arraignment of stirring up sedition, it is utterly vain and empty! I have honored the Roman law, and taught that the powers that be are ordained of God. I ask that you hold in remembrance that they who have complained against me are all Jews, and that no Roman in all Judea, who is set by the authority of Cæsar, hath said aught for my condemnation.
“I would not weary thee by pointing out the subtlety of the differences between the Jewish sects, for much of it would seem to be foolishness to any Roman; but, O Imperator, I may truly avow that the Nazarenes live a [pg 498]New Faith which hath priceless value for all men! It is a spiritual kingdom which is set up within them, and hath no controversy with the material kingdoms of this world. So long as religious liberty is proclaimed by Rome, the Nazarenes never will be found disloyal!