I Appeal To Caesar!

and their superior battle records. Each member of the Guard holds the envied rank of Centurion in the regular army.

This elite Guard was originally formed to protect the emperor, dating back to as early as the second century B.C.; but became formally organized after Augustus became Rome’s first emperor. He established his own imperial guards comprised of nine cohorts of five hundred to one thousand men each. The total unit endured for three hundred years as the symbol of imperial might.

These are the only soldiers now allowed residence in

Rome, they are the trustworthy Praetorian Guards.

Paul’s guards rotate prison duty on a daily basis, coming to treat “Paul the prisoner” with cautious respect. Some guards do convert to Christ, others remain unconvinced. In his letter to the Church at Philippi, Paul states that his life and message have “become evident to the whole palace guard” and that the Christians in Rome have become more emboldened to speak out for Christ. Consider how this amazing feat is accomplished! * * * * * Paul is free to entertain guests, but a guard is also compulsory. Each guard is treated like a “guest” while Paul speaks to an unending stream of visitors about the goodness of God and Jesus Christ. Joyfully, the prisoner shares his story to visitors from the Jewish community, sympathetic Christians, Roman citizens, and the Praetorian Guard.