I Appeal To Caesar!

Overwhelmed, Paul sobs again, grateful to His Lord

and Savior, his heart overflowing.

Rufus, steps close to Justus and whispers, “ You will not die here at this time. Return and carry on the saving work of Jesus that Paul started among the soldiers. Be strong ! God will use you to win others! Return now to your station. * * * * * The headsman, realizing his duty to proceed, issues loud commands, “It is required that you be blindfolded, put these clothes around your eyes!” Two much-used, stained clothes are handed to Rufus. “Make a very brief statement if you wish.” At that moment, a woman breaks from the crowd of Christian observers, running forward with two beautiful silk scarves: one red, the other white. “Here!” she exclaims. “Bind your eyes with these symbols of our love and gratitude! We, too, believe that Jesus is Lord and Savior!”

Petrified, no one speaks or moves.

Rufus tenderly binds the white scarf around the eyes of Paul, thinking of the righteousness of the good man about to die. He ties the red scarf around his own eyes, thinking of the blood of Christ that was shed for him; he trembles with an inexplicable joy.