I. INTRODUCTION
A. While we know little concerning the actual circumstances of Paul's death, the event leaves us with some particular food for thought.
1. When one of Paul's stature dies it is a great event, if for no other reason than the loss of his influence for good.
2. His death left a vacuum that could not easily be filled, in fact the world has never found another to take his place.
B. Tradition holds that Paul was tried before Caesar a second time and beheaded. His circumstances render this as probable due to his Roman citizenship. Under their laws he could not be tortured or crucified. It is also probable that he was executed outside the city limits of Rome, to avoid undue attention within the city. There is no reliable evidence concerning the disposal of his body.
C. We know none of his dying words. We have no knowledge of who attended his funeral or if he had one. This should not surprise us as Paul had always emphasized his feelings concerning the lives of the believers, not their death bed expressions. Yet, for Paul to die would be "gain," (Phil. 1:21). He meant it would be an advantage to himself based on the facts of the very religion he taught. In this sense, it would be an advantage for any Christian to die, because his eternal circumstances would be so much better than his earthly ones. This would hold true for the richest Christian as well as the most down-trodden. Heaven is a better, happier place than this world can ever be.
II. DISCUSSION
A. Paul's influence on this world cannot be measured. While every great man has left his mark, someone could have taken their place. No one could have replaced Paul. His conversion to Christianity accounts for much, if not all, of the influence he has had on successive generations.
B. What are some of the characteristics of Paul that caused him to be able to wield such influence? What are some of the traits that made him the right man for the job of taking Christianity to the Gentile world?
1. He was a profound thinker with the ability to reason from the scriptures.
2. He was eloquent, not in his manner of speech or voice (1 Cor. 2:3,4; 2 Cor. 10:10), but in the message that he delivered.
3. He was zealous no earthly obstacle was insurmountable in his eyes.
4. His actions were always controlled by his conviction of what was right, his sense of integrity, and by always taking the high ground.
5. His heart was tender and gentle, even to the point of a willingness to sacrifice his own soul to save that of his kinsmen, (Rom. 9:3).
C. More specifically, let us examine Paul's particular religious characteristics.
1. In his religious principles he was absorbed, fixed, and immovable. Everything else in his life (whether as a Pharisee or a Christian) was subordinate to his religion.
2. He truly believed that the "gospel is for all." In his eyes, their were no longer any human barriers that could not and were not transversed by Christianity. The one God, one Savior, one hope, one faith, and one baptism belong to all men universally.
3. With regards to his own personal religion he was humble, earnest, sincere,and prayerful. Principle was more powerful than feeling, truth more powerful than emotions. He was duty bound, honest, sincere, and possessed integrity. Both his energy and his love knew no bounds.
D. Paul was a martyr not the first, but one of the first. He bore witness and faithful testimony to the truth of the Gospel, even as he faced death. "When the time came for him to seal his faith with his blood, he did not refuse to die."
III. CONCLUSION
A. Paul's view of the results of his conversion to Christianity was surely broadened by his death. Do you think he regrets his decision to follow Jesus, as he awaits the judgment day, (Col. 3:9-17).
B. We must give up all for Christ. If we do, we will never regret it, either here on earth or in eternity. With Christ on our side we can withstand poverty, disappointment, persecution, reproach, scorn and even death.
QUESTION FOR DISCUSSION
1. If to "die is gain" then why is suicide not an option to the Christian?
2. Would the characteristics described in the discussion point B. have been to Paul's advantage no matter what he chose as his life work? Explain how these characteristics need to be incorporated into both our secular and religious lives.
3. Compare Paul's "religious characteristics" (discussion point C.) to your own. How do you measure up to Paul?