I Appeal To Caesar!

The apostles, representing the two great factions of the Church — Jews and Gentiles — are reconciled, their faith welded as one; what doctrinal debate could never fully accomplish, harsh reality and total dependence has brought to pass. They turn, feebly raising their hands in farewell to the Christians in the distance. Inexplicably, an increasing volume of praise begins to fill the atmosphere; soldiers later will testify that it was as though an angelic choir had swelled the sound made by the few believers. More Christians, having been alerted, continually arrive, seemingly renouncing any fear connected with the executions. Rufus, the Commanding Centurion, his first assistant, and eight men — four bearing the litter with Paul — head for Via Ostiensis and then to the Cesti Pyramid, where Paul is to be beheaded. Rufus’ second assistant and an additional eight men, carry Peter, heading for the Trans-Tiber and from there to the Vaticanum where he will be crucified upside down, by request, because he deems himself unworthy to be crucified as his master Jesus had been. * * * * * Rufus and his charge arrive at the place of infamy, located at the third milestone on the Ostian Way. Paul is not whipped or crucified because he is a Roman citizen; instead, he will be decapitated, supposedly a saner execution. Chains are removed from the prisoner by order of the Commander. Paul is led to the great chopping block. The chains attached to the wooden block are usually also attached to a condemned prisoner, but not in this case, by Rufus’ direct command.