In the square outside of St. Peter’s Basilica stands a huge obelisk carted from Egypt. The monument marks the exact spot where Nero crucified the Apostle Peter for preaching the gospel in Rome. Peter asked to be crucified upside-down, because he felt unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus. Nero happily complied.

At the time, the murder of Peter took place in the center of a huge stadium where Romans watched chariot races. The execution of Peter comprised the entertainment for the day. Nero went to bed pleased with himself, satisfied with silencing such an prominent Christian and discouraging this annoying new faith.

Today the stone sits on land dedicated to that very faith Peter propagated. Millions stroll by annually, learning of his dedication to the cause of Christ. To spice up their tours, guides mention Nero, his stadium, and his races. The madman garners a nod, while the apostle captures hearts.

Before his death Peter wrote: Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you…let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. (1 Peter 4:12, 19).

Peter knew trials loomed, yet he faithfully carried the message of Jesus to Rome. I wonder if he knew such a heinous death awaited?

I also wonder about Nero’s reaction if he were dropped into St. Peter’s Square today? No chariots, no gladiators, no instruments of torture—only remembrances of Peter and the God he served.

1 Peter 4 in reading the Bible in 2023

Tombs of famous men and women fill Rome. Everywhere you turn someone’s grave calls you over. Many of these powerful people paid designers (like Michelangelo) to create bigger and better burial edifices. If it weren’t for signs attached to each tomb, I had no clue who I was looking at as I licked my gelato and wandered around.

All these fancy graves remind of a quote I read once by George Eliot: For the growing good of the world is partly dependent on unhistoric acts; and that things are not so ill with you and me as they might have been, is half owing to the number who lived faithfully a hidden life, and rest in unvisited tombs.

I visited lots of tombs in Rome. But what if Eliot’s thought is accurate? What if most of the good in this world exists due to regular folks who lived faithful lives, and now sleep in graves no one visits?

Which leads me to the scripture reminding us that the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous can accomplish much (James 5:16). Sincere prayers of the charitable result in greater goodness than the ministrations of the powerful.

What does it matter the beauty of our tombs? When Jesus returns, he’ll blow the lids off. A marble slab or a pine box, tourist attraction or overgrown with weeds, the quality of the heart registers more the value of the tomb.

Building a fancy burial chamber may show off one’s wealth and power, but actually paying attention to our designer makes a much bigger difference in this world and the next.

James 5 in reading the Bible in 2023

While touring the Vatican Museums, we walked into a hall full of tapestries. These wall hangings are huge, almost 30 feet high. Designed by the artist Raphael, they were woven in Belgium and hung in the Vatican over 600 years ago.

One side of the wall depicts scenes from the life of Christ, from birth to resurrection. Included in the stories is the Massacre of the Innocents. Perhaps you remember the passage, one of the most chilling in the Bible:

When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:

“A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”

I stopped and stared at a tapestry of terror. Take a closer look. Raphael captured the stark desperation of mothers as they fought for their children—to no avail—and the viciousness of men bent on infanticide.

Warned by an angel, Joseph escaped to Egypt with Jesus and Mary. Herod’s plan failed, but not before dead baby boys and shattered parents littered Bethlehem and the surrounding communities.

The tapestry reminds us of the evil residing in the hearts of men, especially those bent toward power and holding it at all costs. Unfortunately, not much has changed since the days of Herod.

The butchered children came to be known as the Holy Innocents, and were later venerated as the first martyrs of the Christian church.

The mothers and fathers who lost their sons? We can only imagine their pain. Perhaps they deserve their own place in the list of martyrs associated with the life of Jesus.

Matthew 2 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo of the tapestry thanks to Walks in Rome

We remain ever indebted to those who followed Jesus and wrote down the things they saw and experienced. Luke shared his purpose as he wrote to a friend:

Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

Luke, a physician trained to pay attention to detail, carefully investigated everything about Jesus. It’s always nice when someone takes notes. We should be grateful Luke did so. Without the details, we’re left with stories that fade into legends. But details bring hard edges, and helps us investigate the stories for ourselves.

And these stories deserve our scrutiny, as they carry life like no other.

Luke 1 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by The Climate Reality Project