From this terrible ordeal, Paul was spared, having left Rome soon after his release. This last precious interval of freedom was earnestly improved in laboring among the churches. He sought to establish a firmer union between the Greek and Eastern churches which he had raised up, and to guard them against the subtle heresies that were creeping in to corrupt the faith. The trials and anxieties which he had endured, had preyed upon his physical and mental energies. The infirmities of age were upon him. He felt that his work was nearly accomplished.{LP 304.1}

Denne grusomme prøvelse blev Paulus sparet for, efter at have forladt rom efter sin løsladelse. Hans sidste dyrebare tid til frihed, blev udnyttet alvorligt på at arbejde iblandt menighederne. Han søgte at oprette en fastere enighed mellem de græske og østlige menigheder, som han havde oprettet, og vogte dem imod de snedigste kættere som krøb ind for at fordærve troen. De trængsler og bekymringer som han måtte klare, havde taget på hans fysiske og mentale energi. Alderdommens svagheder var over ham. Han følte at hans arbejde var næsten udført.