New-York tribune., 1873-07-22
INTERPRETATIONS.
LLLA-4
2 RrNANs ANTECHRBT

HlSIOlRE DIES OklGlNEo ~ ~ ~ cvp1sTf,NIfY)
iSANTEcHRfsT par EnNrsr RsNAS syo nI, pm D'z
Michel Levy Freres NeW-horA' r. W N"1..-,
The present volume winch continues the authors
histotical disouisitions ON the primitive age OF
Chrifisnitv. embraces the period between the I'M
prisonnent of Paul at Rome and the destruction OF
Jerusalem, Like the former productions OF Tue
Same pou the narrative receives a VIVA eG4't-"s
from the imagination of the writer, VINO Is more
,ntent on the development OF Its romantic features
shan ON ricid severity Of criticism, or literal and
prosaic exactness of historical analysis Every
scene bears the impress Of his own mind. The siuh-
plicity Of the ancient record Is nodded INTO the
forms ofm6dorn Thought To NJ Roman, the Gospcl
history presents the unfolding of n magnificent
drama. Its doematic aspects awaken his interest so
far as they afford materials for the illustration OF
character. The actors on the stage are the objects
Of his curiosity. and at the touch Of his creative
fancy. they are clothed with fresh Vitality Inc
old tablets are Transformed into expressions OF VIZ
orous and glowing life while the increase oi Ie'''S
gives no Jar to the sentiment of reverence
The term "Antecbrist7 is used by NJ hon"" ~
denote the opposition 10 Christianity in i' S''
with PagJuism during the first stages "i i'' t
once OF this hostility The Emperor NoiI ".9 -.
chief renresepfativc The most lmpOt'aiV i,s'''''
documents. on which the author relics III .No 80
s.y,,cticrr Of his narrative arc the lasV epls'l'S
Paul tbe epstleto the Hebrews, the epiS'Iess
=. pots. s7,,I lanes and the Apocalypse. Inc hlsy
spistI, of Clement Of Rome, and the writings oi
iras,trs and Josephus also furnish valuable mh'S,
TI,o cpocb. nj which the work commences, as de-
.e;l.1 i,g NJ ReYau forms one of the most remark
allie crises in she history Of human affairs Nero
was inst entering upon his twenty-fourth yea''
Placed lv ag abandoned mother at tho age OF sew
euteen. on the throne Of the world, ho had con-
uletcly lost ms head His nature was intensely
Theatrical. deceitful frivolous, yan an incredible
compound Of perverted intelligence, OF abys3mai
1vic]edrcss. Of atrocous selfshness combined with
n rare and subtle acuteueSS. The school OF CRIME III
which ne had grown up soon led him to conceive oi
lie as some terrible comedy in which he was the
puacipM performer. He had now thrown Oh the
influence Of the philosophers who had been his
masters; be had given currency to the most shame
fnl scandals; and ia obedience to his example
portion Of Roman society had fallen into the loves,
deprayity. But popular reaction was beginning to
take place.
The ARRIVAL Of Paul, at this moment, in Rome, was
an event Of almost equal consequence with his con
version He himself regarded it as the crown OF ms
apostolic career. He at once wished to form rela-
fons with the faithful in the city. He invited the
chiefs Of the synagogue to come and see him. De-
scribing his situation in the most favorable light
he protested that lie had designs against hs ma
ton but that he was called III question on account
of the hope of Israel the faith in the resurrection
of the dead. The Jews replied that they had never
even heard the mention of his name, that they had
received no letter from Judea concerning him, and
EXPRESSED the wish to have an exposition Of his
opinions from his own mouth. An hour was fixed
for the discussion. considerable number Of Jews
assembled in his little chamber The conference
lasted for nearly whole day. Paul cited the texts
.ltpta VIII
that Jesus was the Messiah Some of them were
convinced by his reasoning, but the greater part re-
1naiued incredulous. The Jews of Rome rrded
themselves on rigid fidelity to their faith 10 was
not in that quarter that Paul could gain any great
success. lie finished the interview with his Gus
tomary threat of turning to the Gentiles.
His mission 10 the pagans was, in fact, crowned
with far greater His prisoners cell became
the center Of earnest preaching, DurIug the TWO
years Of his confinement he not once restrained
ia his work of proseytism. He bad with him two,
Mt least. his disciples, Timothy and Aristarchus.
1t seems that his friends stayed with him by turns
and shared his chain The progress of the Gospel
was wonderful. The prison Of Paul was no less
fruitful than his free activity had been. ls chains,
which me displayed with sort Of Ostentation, were
a sermon in themselves. Inspired by his example
and the manner in which be bore his captivity, the
Christians of Rome boldly preached the gospel Of
the new faith.
At first theymet with no obstacle. Their conquests
extended over the Campaenaand even tothe cities at
the foot Of YesuUus The new sect had its adopts
in the palace Of Nero Everything seemed to 90
bravcy on, but the infuriated party which had un-
dcrtaken the task Of combating the mission Of Paul.
even 70 he end Of the world, was not asleep They
continued to denvSgee him with fierce rage But
the native gTanG6af 9f bis soul gye , nm liar,si'
GUS confidence and force His assWagS2- S2-eep eep .
preached almost to gayety. Few years, indeed OF
the apostles life were happier than these From time
TO time he found infinite consultations lie had
nothing 10 fear from the malevolence OF the jews
The humble lodgings Of the prisoner were the head
ouarters of an immense activity. At this time the
paee Of Jesus in the feelings of Paul was becoming
more and more exalted every day. If he did not
vet admit the perfect equality Of Jesus with the
Father he believed in his divinity and regarded the
whole of his earthly life as the accomplishment of
divine plan realized by the incarnation The prison
produced on him the effect which it usually produces
ON strong characters 1t elevated the habitual tone
of his mind, and effected profound revolution OF
his ideas. ......
The next point Of discussion, suggested by N.
Renan relates 10 the influence of PauPs lmprlson-
ment on the Christians of Jerusalem. They formed
a rival party for which Paul was perpetual stmu-
liant Although they murmured at his conduct they
still sought to initiate his example. Peter, especially
wavered between lively personal admiration OF his
bold fellow-disciple and the part which was i'm
posed upon him by his situation. His life was passed
in copying Paul in following his steps at distance,
and in gaining after him the strong positions which
would insure the success of the common cause.
1t was iu the second half of the year G that Peter
resolved upon a journey TO Rome. He took with
b,m Mark as an Interpreter, his usual companion
John and perhaps Barnabas. The relations of Peter
and Paul, according to NJ. Renan, appear to have
been of perfectly friendly character. Two things,