Digital Logos Edition
The Book of Acts in Its First Century Setting, vol. 3: Paul in Roman Custody provides a unique opportunity not only to learn about the custodial system of the Graeco-Roman world, but to better view Paul’s persona and Christian mission as well. Brian Rapske’s outstanding study shows Luke himself to be an ardent helper of Paul the missionary prisoner.
Be sure to check out The Book of Acts in Its First Century Setting (5 vols.) series.
“In Rome the worst place was the state prison, and the worst place within that structure was the Tullianum or death cell” (Page 9)
“First, there are degrees of confinement. Second, custody is partly determined by the nature of the crime. Third, custody depends in part upon the identity of the accused. We may add two further matters not explicitly commented upon in Ulpian’s text. Fourth, if the persona of the accused is given careful attention, we may be sure that the persona of the accuser or his agents is not ignored. Finally, the official who sets the custodial arrangements does not stand outside the process. Whether a city magistrate, a proconsul, or even the Emperor himself, he might personally be the object not only of positive but also negative influences.” (Pages 39–40)
“Josephus writes that when Tiberius died, Gaius removed Agrippa ‘from the camp to the house where he had lived before his imprisonment.” (Page 29)
“the Roman quarry prison. Whether one was chained or not was a further indication of the severity of one’s imprisonment” (Page 9)
“it is Paul the prisoner even more than Paul the missionary whom we are meant to remember” (Page 2)