Was the Apostle Paul a martyr?

Answer 1

A second-century tradition says that Peter and Paul were both martyred in Rome on the orders of Emperor Nero. However, Clement of Rome, writing at the end of the first century (1 Clement), ought to have known if this had been the case but seems to have believed that Paul went to the 'west' (Spain) and lived out his remaining years there. He also seems unaware that Peter either came to Rome or was executed there.

Answer 2

Catholic tradition has held for nearly 2000 years that Paul was martyred during the reign of Roman Emperor Nero probably by beheading. As Paul was considered to be a Roman citizen he would have received a more 'humane' method of death than that used for non Romans.

During Paul's last days in prison in Rome he knew the end was near. In his second letter to Timothy he predicts the end is soon to come:

"6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."

Neither The Bible nor other sources say how or when Paul died, but
Ignatius of Antioch, probably around 110, writes that Paul was martyred in Rome.

Pope St. Clement I in chapter 5 of his letter to the Corinthians barely mentions in passing that both Saints Peter and Paul died and went on to their just reward. He gives no specifics. Of course, it can be argued that the intent of his epistle was to chastise certain members of the Church at Corinth and not to give a history of the early years of the Church.

In June of 2009 Pope Benedict XVI announced the excavation results concerning the tomb of Paul at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. The basilica was constructed over the tomb of Paul about the year 390. The sarcophagus was not opened but was examined by means of a probe, which revealed pieces of incense, purple and blue linen, and small bone fragments. The bone was radiocarbon dated to the 1st or 2nd century. According to the Vatican, these findings are consistent with the tradition that the tomb is Paul's. The sarcophagus was inscribed in Latin saying, "Paul apostle martyr".

Answer 3

Yes, the Apostle Paul is traditionally believed to have been a martyr. According to historical accounts and Christian tradition, he was executed in Rome by beheading under the Roman Emperor Nero's persecution of Christians.