The picture above shows one of the most significant buildings in the ancient world. Can you pick it out?

To the left is the Roman Forum, the center of ancient Rome. You see arches erected to celebrate great Roman victories and temples to the ascendant gods of Rome. Here the empire began and in this place the Caesar’s displayed their glory.

To the right is a building with “MAMERTINUM” over the door. This newer building covers an ancient well, which became an ancient prison, which became the last home of the Apostle Paul. It is from this dank, buried cell that Paul wrote, I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

As I emerged from that cell and pondered the last home of Paul (and likely Peter), I couldn’t help but think of the test of time. While Paul sat in that pit, a powerful empire flowed around him, seemingly invincible, poised to last forever. Yet, a few hundred years later, the empire collapsed and cattle grazed among the ruins.

But Paul’s writing persisted. The churches he founded grew and prospered. Tours of Christian people visit Rome daily, from the US, China, Africa – everywhere the faith Paul promoted has spread.

During the glory days of Rome names like Nero and Caesar were on everyone’s lips, while Paul and Peter were little-known fanatics. But today, we name our sons Peter and Paul, while we name our dogs Nero and Caesar. An encouraging reminder in a world as short-sighted and self-absorbed as Rome was all those years ago.