I Appeal To Caesar!

Paul embraces the soldier like he would a brother, whispering in his ear, “Decide soon, we will meet again—here or hereafter. I love you!” They exchange one more parting glance with tear-filled eyes. * * * * * After his arrival in Rome, Paul is housed in rented quarters, at his own expense, although still under “house arrest.” He now awaits the court summons to present his case to Nero, but Paul will find that the wait will last another two years. Amazingly, as a ward of the Praetorian Guard in house arrest, his ministry and influence begin to flourish. Four of his well-known epistles are written during this imprisonment: Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon. Additionally, he shares his testimony with a multitude of people, definitely not wasted time. * * * * * Each day and night Paul’s dominant arm is chained to the weaker arm of the guard on duty. Not comfortable, especially when the prisoner wants to write a letter! Sometimes Paul casually asks the guard if what he has written is clear, slyly slipping the message of Jesus into conversations. So it was, in various ways, each guard received special attention or respect, and heard the good news of Jesus Christ in spite of the irritating situation. More impacting, the guards hear and see the prayers and private devotions of a genuine Christian.

The Praetorian Guards are tough soldiers gleaned from the armies of the Empire for their devotion to the Emperor