I Appeal To Caesar!

The Guards operate from their own fortress, the Castra Praetoria , located on the outskirts of Rome. Nearly all have at least twelve years’ service in the armies of Rome and all relish their relative comfort and the additional pay received for their present, prestigious positions. A proud group, each soldier bears battle scars on his body, enhancing his stories of personal bravery. The four, mystified guards, now assigned to Paul in Rome, bunk together at the barracks of the Praetorian Guard House, close to Paul’s rented quarters. They often talk among themselves about their most unusual prisoner. At times, other guards are also reassigned to Paul. Also, assignment is sometimes requested by a guard that has become a Christian. Justus, the youngest and most inquisitive of the four, expresses himself to two of the others while relaxing on their bunks. He is not a Christian and, although he does not usually express himself freely on the subject of religion, he is in truth, secretly searching for answers to life and death. Like all the soldiers, he swears allegiance to the Emperor; seriously doubting, however, any possible deity in Nero, their corrupt Caesar. “I have never heard any Roman pray like this man prays!” Justus ventures to say. “Greeks and Jews do not become emotional or weep when they discuss or pray to their gods. Do you think he is putting all this on? A hypocrite?” The oldest guard present, Maximus, a veteran who counts his days to retirement, grunts out a comment, “Even in the middle of the night he wakes me up with his prayers and songs! He even wants to raise his hands and praise his God,