Howdy, Randolph! A few years ago, former Pope Benedict proclaimed a Year of St. Paul to study the life and writings of the great saint. But he had a surprise up his sleeve--a surprise connected with the martyrdom of St. Paul, a surprise he didnt reveal until the end of the Pauline year. Here are some of the things Pope Benedict said leading up to the Big Reveal (plus an added quotation from the 2nd century Roman historian Tacitus to help set the stage). Add Me To Your Address Book! To help ensure that you receive all email messages consistently in your inbox with images displayed, please add this address to your address book or contacts list: jimmy@secretinfoclub. Share with Friends! Secret clubs are even more fun when your friends are part of them! Forward this email to friends or encourage them to sign up at secretinfoclub! Join the Club! Not a member of Jimmys Secret Info Club yet? Join now and get in on all the secret information action. Sign up here! The Fathers Know BestGet Your Copy! Mass RevisionGet Your Copy! The Salvation ControversyGet Your Copy! #1 St. Pauls Death The ancient Christian tradition witnesses unanimously that Paul died as a consequence of his martyrdom here in Rome. The New Testament writings tell us nothing of the event. The Acts of the Apostles ends their account by mentioning the imprisonment of the Apostle, who was nevertheless able to welcome all who went to him (cf. Acts 28: 30-31). Only in the Second Letter to Timothy do we find these premonitory words: For I am already on the point of being sacrificed; the time to set sail has come (2 Tm 4: 6; cf. Phil 2: 17). #2 When It Happened The date of his death already varies in the ancient sources which set it between the persecution unleashed by Nero himself after the burning of Rome in July 64 and the last year of his reign, that is, the year 68. #3 Neros Persecution The 2nd century Roman historian Tacitus records how Nero persecuted Christians to deflect the charge that he had set fire to Rome: To get rid of the report, Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. . . . Accordingly, an arrest was first made of all who pleaded guilty; then, upon their information, an immense multitude was convicted, not so much of the crime of firing the city, as of hatred against mankind. Mockery of every sort was added to their deaths. Covered with the skins of beasts, they were torn by dogs and perished, or were nailed to crosses, or were doomed to the flames and burnt, to serve as a nightly illumination, when daylight had expired. Nero offered his gardens for the spectacle, and was exhibiting a show in the circus, while he mingled with the people in the dress of a charioteer or stood aloft on a car. Hence, even for criminals who deserved extreme and exemplary punishment, there arose a feeling of compassion; for it was not, as it seemed, for the public good, but to glut one mans cruelty, that they were being destroyed (Annals 15:44). 4 How St. Paul Died Referring to the Emperor Nero, [early Church historian] Eusebius was to write: It is, therefore, recorded that Paul was beheaded in Rome itself, and that Peter likewise was crucified during Neros reign. This account is substantiated by the fact that their names are preserved in the cemetery of that place even to the present day. #5 The Burial According to ancient sources, St. Pauls burial not only took place outside the city . . . at the second mile on the Ostian Way, but more precisely on the estate of Lucina, who was a Christian matron. It was here, in the fourth century, that the Emperor Constantine built a first church. Then, between the fourth and fifth centuries it was considerably enlarged by the Emperors Valentinian II, Theodosius, and Arcadius. The present-day Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls was built here after the fire in 1800. #6 The Big Reveal! At the close of the Pauline year, in the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, Pope Benedict declared: We have gathered at the tomb of the Apostle whose sarcophagus, preserved beneath the papal altar, was recently the object of a careful scientific analysis. A tiny hole was drilled in the sarcophagus, which in so many centuries had never been opened, in order to insert a special probe which revealed traces of a precious purple-colored linen fabric, with a design in gold leaf, and a blue fabric with linen threads. Grains of red incense and protein and chalk substances were also found. In addition, minute fragments of bone were sent for carbon-14 testing by experts unaware of their provenance. The fragments proved to belong to someone who had lived between the first and second centuries. This would seem to confirm the unanimous and undisputed tradition which claims that these are the mortal remains of the Apostle Paul. #7 Learning More It thus seems that we have scientific evidence that St. Pauls remains are, indeed, at the Roman major basilica that bears his name. If youd like to learn more, you can read Pope Benedicts discussion of the martyrdom of St. Paul, as well as the announcement of the discovery itself--and its spiritual implications for us. You also may want to take an online virtual tour of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. (This is also the basilica with the famous portraits of all the popes on the walls.) There is much more to learn about the early ages of the Church. If you havent already, Id encourage you to pick up a copy of my book, The Fathers Know Best: Your Essential Guide to Early Christian Teaching.
Posted on: Tue, 04 Mar 2014 04:08:16 +0000
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