Paul had another significant mission, which was to create divisions among the Jews. This division is explicitly described in the New Testament (Acts 23:7), where the Pharisees and Sadducees, along with the assembly, were divided because of Paul's teachings. His intention was to influence Jewish communities to move away from strict Torah observance. His goal was to promote greater tolerance among Jews in accepting Roman culture and practices (Colossians 3:11).
One example from Acts (18:24-25) highlights Paul's efforts to convince a knowledgeable Jew, well-versed in the Scriptures, about Jesus. He emphasized that Jesus had abolished the Law along with its commandments and regulations (Ephesians 2:14-15). Paul allowed his followers to eat pork, asserting that all food was clean (Romans 14:20). He also challenged the practice of circumcision, arguing that it had shifted from a physical act to a spiritual practice (Romans 2:25-29). However, it's important to note that Paul's views on these matters didn't go unchallenged; for instance, Barnabas and many others disagreed with him (Acts 14:1-2).
In Acts 21:28, the Jews accused Paul of introducing Greek teachings into the temple, thus defiling their holy place. This accusation led to a riot, during which the Jews seized Paul and expelled him from the temple (Acts 21:30). With the crowd attempting to kill Paul, Roman troops intervened to rescue him. To pacify the Jews, the commander arrested and chained Paul (Acts 21:33).
Paul, who was ostensibly a 'prisoner,' appeared to have a surprising degree of freedom and influence, even able to issue commands to a Roman officer as recounted in Acts 23:17. This suggests that Paul held a position of considerable influence. It's possible that Paul's nephew acted as a spy against the Jews, as he was instructed not to disclose this information to anyone (Acts 23:22). When the Roman commander learned of the plot against Paul's life, he ordered 200 soldiers, 200 spearmen, and 70 mounted troops to escort him safely to Caesarea (Acts 23:23), highlighting the importance of safeguarding Paul at all costs. Astonishingly, Paul, supposedly a 'prisoner,' was provided with a horse for his journey to Caesarea (Acts 23:24), a significant departure from the typical treatment of Jewish prisoners by the Romans.
In Acts 21:30, a tumultuous scene unfolds, with the entire city in an uproar as people rushed from all directions. This period corresponds with the Great Jewish Revolt mentioned by Josephus in War, 2:20.1, during which many Jews fled the city. Paul, along with Philip, the son of Jacimus, the commander of King Agrippa's forces, escaped the city and sought refuge with Cestius, the legate of Syria, who had entered Judea in 66 CE in an attempt to restore order at the start of the Great Jewish Revolt.
Paul's stay in Caesarea seemed comfortable, and he enjoyed certain freedoms. His friends were permitted to visit him and attend to his needs (Acts 24:23). This special treatment suggests that Paul, despite being a 'prisoner,' was afforded special privileges. King Agrippa even suggested to Festus that Paul should be set free (Acts 26:30-32). However, releasing Paul would have put him at risk of being killed by the Jews. Although Paul was not found guilty, he chose to appeal to stand trial before Caesar (Acts 25:12). This appeal was likely a strategic move to return to Rome without antagonizing the Jewish authorities.
During his journey to Rome, Paul received exceptional treatment and kindness from a centurion, despite being a 'prisoner' (Acts 27:3). This special treatment underscores Paul's importance, which appeared unrelated to his Roman citizenship. Upon arriving in Rome, Paul enjoyed a comfortable life and was allowed to continue preaching. His residence was well-guarded by Roman soldiers, as recounted in Acts 28:16. These soldiers were called upon to protect Paul from Jews who sought to harm him.
Christian tradition holds that Paul met a martyr's end in Rome during the reign of Emperor Nero in 68 A.D. This belief is based on the common fate of many apostles who were martyred for their faith. The precise details of Paul's death, however, remain less documented, with the Bible providing no exact time or manner of his passing. The tradition suggests that Paul was beheaded in Rome during Nero's rule. Interestingly, another Christian tradition holds that Paul journeyed to Spain, as mentioned in Romans 15:24. It is conceivable that, given his status as a former Roman agent and the need to safeguard him from potential harm by the Jews, Paul may have been pensioned off to Spain as a form of retirement.
In conclusion, Paul's mission was multifaceted, involving division among the Jews and the promotion of tolerance toward Roman culture. He challenged traditional Jewish practices, advocating a spiritual interpretation of the Law. Despite opposition and accusations, he managed to exert influence even as a prisoner. His remarkable treatment, special privileges, and strategic decisions indicate his significant importance, potentially due to his past as a Roman agent. Paul's fate, marked by martyrdom in Rome according to Christian tradition, remains a crucial aspect of early Christian history, shaping the faith's narrative for centuries.
