Rome

Paul wanted to visit Rome for several reasons. He desired to strengthen the believers there and share spiritual gifts with them. He also saw Rome as a strategic base for further mission work, particularly to Spain. When he finally arrived as a prisoner, he continued his mission by receiving visitors and preaching the gospel during his house arrest.

During his first Roman imprisonment (60-62 AD), Paul wrote four letters known as the Prison Epistles: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Later, during a second imprisonment before his execution, he wrote 2 Timothy, his final letter, expressing readiness to depart this life.

According to early church tradition, Paul was beheaded during Nero's persecution around 67 AD. As a Roman citizen, he was entitled to execution by sword rather than crucifixion. Peter, according to tradition, was crucified upside down at his own request, feeling unworthy to die in the same manner as his Lord. These traditions are not in Scripture but are attested by early church fathers.