SAUL PERSECUTES THE CHRISTIANS CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE- Page 1

IT WAS ALMOST midnight when the lights in Caiaphas' palace went out and a lone figure was seen leaving. The guard at the gate did not seek identification as he passed. He had become most familiar with the face and profile of the man, rather small of stature, who always walked fast.
"It is Saul. Saul of Tarsus," said the soldier to a fellow guard. "He is the only one of late that the high priest detains until such an hour. Something is in the air, and I have a feeling it won't be long until we may be involved."

That particular evening, Saul's private audience with Caiaphas had commenced with the high priest asking, "So, what is your suggestion tonight? What is the best way to launch a campaign to exterminate these followers of the Way? We have warned them and whipped their leaders, and ordered them not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. But that has not stopped them, nor their numbers from spreading."

"It is not what they are saying," replied Saul. "It is what they are doing. You recall how even Nicodemus said about Jesus, 'no man could do the things he did unless God was with him.'"

"Nothing has stopped them from doing the things they do. Everyone praises them for it. So, how do you propose to stop them?"

"We must try to remove those who declare miracles have taken place in their own lives. Remember Dan, the cripple, supposedly lame from birth? He was healed on the steps at the Beautiful Gate when Peter and John prayed for him. The leaders of our Council, you recall, said when he was standing with them perfectly whole, there was really nothing they could say to deny the miracle had taken place. The evidence was right there. I suggest we start with a program to destroy the evidence. It won't be easy, but it is very important. You are the one who said after Lazarus was supposedly brought from the tomb that it was important that he die before everyone believed in the power of Jesus. We should expand our determination in this area. Make a list of those who have had the most influence on the people."

"We are weary of failure, Saul. My father-in-law and I both will be most grateful if you are able to cleanse our land of these followers of a false Messiah. Of course, we will need to remain one step removed from your actions. But I believe I can speak for Annas when I say you will be well rewarded for your services."

Saul's face colored. "Caiaphas, I will not accept any payment other than a clear conscience, and the blessing of God, in knowing I have protected our people from this deception."

Caiaphas shifted uneasily in his chair. Financial control was all the control he had. Saul seemed to be taking that from him. This meant Saul was a dangerous ally. "Let me call my father-in-law. He will be, as I said, most grateful for your willingness--I mean eagerness to work with us. Yes, he will be most grateful. I would suggest we go to his home. But from this moment on, Saul, I feel it is wise that we avoid appearing together in public as much as possible. I am still greatly troubled that Pilate told the crowd he found no fault in Jesus, and that Nicodemus believes Jesus is a man of God. Gamaliel, too, apparently shares the same views as Nicodemus. Ah, yes, and there is Joseph of Arimathea, another member of our Council. The influence of these men cannot be underestimated. We can always bribe men like Pilate to see things 'our way', but even he has been a doubtful ally. I believe our strained relationship is because we persuaded him to condemn Jesus. You may recall the night of the trial, his wife told him not to condemn Jesus. My feeling is she has too much influence on him, and I have already instructed my representatives in Rome to persuade the emperor to remove Pilate. We are working secretly, of course, but it won't be long until you see him recalled to Rome."

"Would Pilate not pose a greater problem to you in Rome than here, where you have access to him personally?" Saul asked.

Caiaphas smiled slyly. "Do not underestimate me. Yes, Pilate could be a greater threat in Rome, if he stayed there. He has already presented Tiberius, I understand, with a detailed account of the trial of Jesus."

Saul raised his brows, wondering what the priest could be thinking.

"It is not our intention that he remain in Rome, Saul," Caiaphas said.

"Do you mean you could . . . ?"

"No, no, not have him executed. We do not have sufficient charges for anything like that. But we will have our representatives suggest very subtlety to Tiberius Caesar, that Pilate's wife may be a sympathizer with the new religious leader in Judea called Jesus, who poses himself as a self-styled Messiah. She might incite an uprising against Rome."

"But Caiaphas--"

"--I know, Saul, we differ on the letter of the law, and the adhering to it. But as Cicero said, 'There is no law in time of war.' We have already agreed that we are uniting in a struggle to eliminate these followers of Jesus. Whether Pilate's wife does anything more than have a dream about Jesus, I do not know, but who is to say that she might not have another dream? At our suggestion, Caesar is already considering sending Pilate on to Vienne on the Rhone in Gaul, and the other may be in Helvetia."

The conversation about Pilate was cut short by the arrival of the aged priest Annas. As he entered, he cast a questioning glance at Saul. Sensing this, Saul resented it. But the mood of the old priest changed when Caiaphas explained Saul's presence, and that Saul had offered his services in a campaign to eliminate the followers of Jesus. Saul had known for some time that Caiaphas had considerable influence with the local Roman authorities, but was now learning that his power reached beyond the borders of their own people. Of course, this was not so much to the credit of his own strength, but almost entirely to his old father-in-law, Annas.

"We naturally thought when we crucified Jesus that his followers would soon disappear," said Annas bitterly. "But from what I hear they seem to be increasing rather than diminishing. Are you able to estimate how many at present may be called followers of the Way?"

"Following the supposed miracle of the lame man, the numbers swelled to eight thousand," Caiaphas answered. "I mean, eight thousand added to their number."

"Eight thousand!" exclaimed Annas, his voice rising to a shrill pitch. "They are bound to increase. This means that in Jerusalem they already number one in ten. How could such a thing happen?"
"The masses of the people are very sympathetic to Jesus' disciples," Caiaphas explained. "When we sent the guards to bring them from the prison, they said they were immediately surrounded by great crowds of people who denounced them."

"The disciples?"

"No, no, not the disciples. Denounced the guards."

"Our guards? Did they know they were our guards?"

"Yes, they knew they were our guards."

"Then that is the same as denouncing us. Do you hear me? I say, that is the same as denouncing us!"

"The guards said they actually feared for their own safety," added Caiaphas.

"You know how greatly Rome fears the uprisings in Judea," Annas said. "There has been no place in the empire, nor perhaps all places combined, where there have been so many scenes of violence and bloodshed. If old Tiberius were here at the moment, he would say to me, 'Annas, whatever you do in the name of your religion, just try to keep peace with the people.' It appears quite evident that whipping and warning the disciples and leaders of this sect have not been enough to stop them. If greater force is needed, it means only more whipping, but also putting the leaders in prison. They are now so numerous, we may not have enough prisons to hold them. But we can at least commence the removal of those who are leaders in this sect. But, when we do this, we must try to avoid as much as possible taking them as prisoners during the day, when the streets are crowded with people. You agree that we are attempting to deal with a very delicate matter, one that could erupt like a fire and sweep us up in the inferno. It could even stir a similar response beyond our borders. For the reasons mentioned, I would suggest that we work as much as possible under the cover of darkness."

Annas glanced at Saul, whose eyes were fixed on the floor. It was evident that he reflected discomfort at the suggestions Annas had just made. If what he was doing was in the name of God and truth, it should be done openly, and before the eyes of all, even if the price was greater. To Saul, only thieves and murderers struck in the night.

After Saul was dismissed from this meeting, Annas turned to his son-in-law. "Did I say the wrong thing?"

"Saul has some deep seated scruples. He will come eventually to see your wisdom in saying he must work mostly in the night."

"Could we offer him more money?"

"No, no! Never make such an offer to Saul or you would lose his service instantly. The man has no interest whatsoever in money. As long as he is convinced that Jesus is a deceiver, he will work night and day without pay. He wants only to protect his people from deception. He is a man of high principle and with tremendous drive. A dangerous man. But once he is committed to this cause, there will be no stopping him. You can offer him all the backing he may need in men with arms, and prisons to house those he takes as prisoners."

"So what did he propose?" Annas asked.

"Saul suggested we imprison only those who are influencing the people, those who say they were healed by Jesus. If we can remove them, they will not be a visible and constant reminder of Jesus whom they feel is of God."

THE FOLLOWING NIGHT there was little sleep in the house of Aunt Hulda. Paul decided the moment had come to declare openly his plan to use violence against the followers of Jesus who refused to denounce him as a false Messiah. Miriam, Esrom and Hulda listened as Saul rehearsed every detail of his actions over the past days. He told about the trip to visit Simon, and his return and conference with Caiaphas and Annas.

Hulda bowed her head in sorrow.

Esrom and Miriam saw the die was cast. Tears ran down Miriam's face, and Esrom placed his arm around her shoulders. "We must be strong in our faith," he whispered.

Although it was not Joel's usual practice to eavesdrop, he had been listening from a corner where he could not be seen. As he slipped back to his room, for the first time, he feared his own Uncle Saul.
When Joel returned from his classes at the synagogue the following day, he found the house empty. A sickening fear swept over him, as he recalled the conversation he had overheard the night before. As he went from room to room, his worst fears were confirmed. He found in his mother and father's room the closets had been left open, as though personal things had been removed in haste. Running down the hall to the room normally occupied by Aunt Hulda he knocked, but the only response was the echo in the empty room. He called her name, first in a whisper, and then aloud. As he feared, there was no response. Opening the door, the sight that greeted his eyes was the same as the one in his parents' room. Only a few personal things had been taken, as though she had been forced to leave in haste.

While standing in the doorway, he suddenly froze. Someone was entering the main entrance below. From his place at the top of the stairs, he could see it was Saul. Being wise for his years, and much like his father, he resolved in an instant he would show no alarm. If the powers working with his uncle were more than his parents could cope with, he had little hope of contributing anything to their release by open defiance.

With amazing discipline, concealing his emotions, he descended the steps and in a voice that sounded normal, greeted his uncle Saul. As though he knew more details than he did, he said, "So I see, Uncle Saul, the inevitable has happened. You have had the guards come in the night and take my parents away. In your decision to exterminate the followers of Jesus you have decided to commence by arresting your own sister Miriam, and my father, and Hulda too. You will spare no one, not even your own family."

Saul was stung by Joel's perceptive and sharp comment. He realized he had only one of two choices with the boy. He could oppose young Joel with hostility and force, or he might possibly use reason to win him over.

"So now that you have taken away Aunt Hulda--" Joel continued, his eyes betraying a hidden level of emotion, "--Aunt Hulda, who gave this house to your sister Miriam, and you have taken away my mother and my father, you have the house all to yourself. Are you now the new owner?" Joel asked.

Pointing to a chair, Saul said in a conciliatory tone, "Joel, yes I have had your parents imprisoned. But could you give me a few moments to explain what has been done? I am hoping that a short stay in prison will open their eyes. But Joel, I assure you, I have certainly not done this to gain this home. In fact, I am already looking for a simple dwelling in the city to prove that my actions are not those of one seeking gain." Saul knew the wisest thing he could do at the moment was to leave the house lest he say or do things that might forever defeat any hope of winning Joel to his side.
The next morning Joel arose to find his uncle's room empty and his personal effects gone. Apparently he had left without giving a new address. Perhaps, thought Joel, he didn't have one. Joel's first impulse was to try to see his parents. He sat alone wondering what he should do. After while he decided to try to find Nicodemus at the Temple. He was a powerful and influential man, a member of the Sanhedrin who was sympathetic to the followers of Jesus.

At the Temple Joel was met with more bad news. Nicodemus, he learned, had removed his membership from the Sanhedrin. As he walked home from the Temple he noticed Deborah, the daughter of Nicodemus, on the street. She told him how their family had been evicted from their home by Saul and a group of Temple Guards, and the high priest had taken possession of their home.

Joel hurried home full of anxiety. He looked around the house. He would have moved more of his parents' personal belongings, if he only knew where to store them. After a time he decided the only thing to do was to send a letter to his grandparents in Tarsus, telling them of what Saul had done. Finding a pen and paper he sat down to write:
Dear Grandfather Benjamin and Grandmother Esther:

Saul, my uncle, has united with Caiaphas and Annas, the priests who crucified Jesus, to eradicate the followers of Jesus. Because they accuse my mother and father, and Aunt Hulda as believers in Jesus, the Temple Guards, guided by Uncle Saul, have placed them in prison. Uncle Saul has moved out of the house to another place and I am here this morning alone. I still do not know what prison my parents may be in. I have gone in search of help from Nicodemus but he has been evicted from his home and is in danger of prison, too. If you could write to Uncle Saul, maybe he would listen to you. Be careful, he is supported by the high priests and the Romans.
Fondly and respectfully your grandson, Joel

As Joel found a postal clerk and paid for the postage, he suddenly thought of his friend, John Mark. I will go to John Mark's home, he decided. With excitement he hurried through the streets, but on his arrival the house was closed up, and appeared empty. His heart sank, and an icy fear crept over him. Had they too fallen prey to the ruthless attack of his uncle?

A lady, apparently a neighbor, who knew the family well, saw Joel staring at the empty house. "They left only a few minutes ago, young man," she said. "They are believers, or as some say 'Followers of the Way.' They were afraid that Saul of Tarsus might strike their home tonight, and they left while they had time to escape. It seems this Saul has the support of the High Priest and is invading the homes of the most influential followers of The Way. I had not realized that there were so many followers of Jesus' teachings. It has really divided our city and turned it into a place of tension and sadness. But you may still be able to find your friends. They left down the street that way not long ago."

Joel felt that John Mark and his parents would possibly be moving to a hiding place in the poorer section of the city. Familiar with every back street, he hurried off. Soon he caught a glimpse of John Mark with his parents. He was carrying a heavy bundle, and his father was pushing a cart laden with boxes while Mary walked with a bundle of her own.

"John Mark!" shouted Joel. "I am glad I caught up with you. But, where are you going?"
John Mark's parents stopped when they heard Joel's voice. They listened quietly as he told them of Saul's imprisonment of his own sister and husband, Joel's parents, and of Hulda. He said he would be leaving his house in search of a hiding place. Between gasps for breath, he told them about what had befallen Nicodemus and his family.

Casting a curious glance at the crossroads, John Mark's father said, "Joel, we must keep moving while we can. Why don't you join us? We are not exactly sure of the type of accommodation we will have tonight, but one of the disciples of Jesus named Andrew told us we were welcome to stay where he is, at present."

The four moved down the narrow streets, lined with the drab dwellings of the poor. To Joel, these streets had always seemed depressing in the past. Now they seemed inviting, sheltering and warm. Pausing several times to check his direction, John Mark's father finally remarked, "I think it is on the next street." He proved to be correct, and after knocking slowly three times, with the now familiar signal that was being used by the followers of Jesus, Andrew, the fisherman from Galilee appeared in the doorway. He quickly helped the quartet enter.

"This place is quite a contrast from the homes that Peter and I had at Capernaum," Andrew said. "But it is not the number of rooms, nor the furnishings that make a home. We can at least share our love and fellowship, and anything we have is yours as long as have anything to share."
Andrew showed Joel and John Mark where they might sleep. Andrew's place felt peaceful and safe to both boys. Later that evening, after dark, Joel and John Mark returned to Hulda's house. Joel knew where a secret cache of money remained been hidden. He also returned with clothes and personal effects. In the darkness, they returned safely to the home of Andrew, where they felt a sense of peace, and slept more soundly than they had for many nights.