From: Praefectus Castrorum, Roma Carcerem
To: Legatus Legionis, under whom I humbly and gratefully serve
Subject: Mensis Fama (Monthly Report)
My dear and kind Legatus,
This month has continued to unfold like the previous few wherein I believe we have reached the station of the best-run jail in all the empire. The usual bureaucratic fumbles occur, though less frequently, and the general behaviour of the prison population remains as calm as last month. You, yourself, will know and understand the difficulty of my position in maintaining a secure jail. Daily fights, weekly riots, angry arguments, morose men consumed by their circumstances - all part and parcel of running an overcrowded jail. The opportunity to find, or even make, escape is as endless as the thoughts of the inmates, many of whom I am convinced give no thought to anything else other than the gaining of freedom. Having said this, looking back, I see that these melees and altercations have been gradually diminishing in both intensity and frequency. The number of inmates requiring medical treatment has reduced considerably and no guard required hospitalization at all this month.
You will be aware of my history as warden of the prison at Philippi, and of the incident where a man known as Saul of Tarsus, and an accomplice, were given the opportunity of escape from the jail after an earthquake destroyed much of the building, but gave no effect to that opportunity. You will remember that this man had an equally opposite effect upon my whole family and also my subsequent demotion due to my perceived dereliction of duty. I know you share my view that my judgement was politically motivated to cover the embarrassment of others. I am most grateful to you, for your consistent support over the years has brought me to the position I now hold as The Praefectus Castrorum of the jail of Roma. I hold this position by the grace of God, your loyal patronage of me, and with humility.
You will recall that I mentioned this man in a previous report some months ago when he first arrived in the Claustrum. After consistent reports from the Primus Pilus of every cohort for over six months, I have interviewed this Saul of Tarsus myself and felt it would be beneficial for you to be informed of the nature and conduct of this man.
Since his first arrival to the prison this man’s obedience to every request has been prompt and willing. He has made no complaint, disagreed with no command, and has been an exemplary prisoner in every way. Even when some of my men overstepped their position and treated him roughly, his response was one of understanding and meekness. Consequently, my men find it agreeable to be with this man in their dealings with him. All centurions within this prefecture are aware of the good standing this prisoner maintains amongst us all.
Not only has this man Saul made no attempt to escape, it has been reported to me by numerous centurions that he has actively encouraged prisoners to remain confined to their present situation. His calming influence on the inmate population has been so effective as to reduce the necessity of beatings by half and to bring the general demeanour of the convicts to, dare I say, a gentler place. I have witnessed acts of kindness by internees to guards that initially raised a suspicious response within me, fearing another plan to escape was under way. However, this has not been the case and relations between guards and inmates are generally relaxed and cordial. In their off-duty hours it is not uncommon to see guards and prisoners conversing or playing sports together.
Saul is kind towards jail staff and fellow prisoners alike, showing care for the health and wellbeing of everyone he comes in contact with. When asked to comment on personal matters, whether by guard or inmate, this man displays a concern that is genuine. Furthermore, his advice is invariably astute and unexpected, possessing an understanding that is both deep and rare. Regardless of the nature of the burden brought to him, Saul provides answers with empathy and gentleness. Indeed, he shows himself willing to spend many hours in prayer to his God on behalf of others in order to find assistance for them. His wisdom is insightful and, at times, breath-taking. The simplicity of his replies is often bewildering, but he is patient to explain the reason for his answer. When some man comes with a particularly intense point of view and wishes to remonstrate with him Saul does not become combative towards the fellow, nor does he make disparaging remarks about this protagonist's logic or perceptions, yet neither does he demur to the other’s point of view. When debating men on any topic, he is open to listening to what is being said by the other, and this seems to be his way in that by Saul asking questions the supplicant arrives at an agreeable solution himself by answering those questions. At this point Saul's logic becomes irrefutable while maintaining the dignity of the one who came confused but is now resolved.
It has become common practice, particularly if the weather is not inclement, after all required works and housekeeping tasks have been completed, for prisoners and guards to gather each day in the larger courtyard to listen to Saul teach, by way of the Hebrew scriptures but also by way of self-evident truths, the result being that there is much discussion over the evening meal between fellow prisoners, and even guards, about the things that Saul has been teaching. The amazing outcome is that I have witnessed with my own eyes inmates serving guards, guards assisting the crippled with their meals, and all enjoying the company and humour of each other together. I have to tell you that, as a penal administrator, I discarded the notion of successful rehabilitation as a theoretical dream by some Greek scholar who had no experience with criminals. No wonder we Romans easily overcame them when it came time to take charge. Now I begin to glimpse that there is a way for true changes in a man’s heart to be real and known.
I questioned this man over his behaviour and asked him to explain his motivations. His reply, like so many other answers he gives, was to explain that he has an enduring love for his Lord’s people, and because for the hope of Israel he is bound with these chains. To be honest, I do not think he was referring to the nation of Israel that we presently rule over. I confess I do not fully understand, but my distinct impression is that he considers there to be another, more inclusive grouping of peoples, that any man is free to join, for whom he deems it worthy enough to remain in chains.
In addition to keeping you informed of the management of the prison, I have a proposal that I wish to submit for your consideration. If it was solely within the province of my command to find in favour of this proposal I would do so without a moment’s hesitation, but as we both learned in Philippi, it is prudent to consider the view of others when making decisions that may not be understood by those not involved in the circumstances. Should my plan not be to your liking, or should you consider the risk, to either yourself or to me, to be too high, then I will immediately give it no further thought. I can not think of any other measure, whether by design, implementation, or administrative process that has improved the running of my prison and the health and safety of both staff and inmates as much as this man has.
Therefore, my proposal is this:
Firstly, to provide Saul of Tarsus with clothing and furniture from prison resources in order to make his life more comfortable. He is involved in debate, instruction and pastoral discussions for many hours every day. In fact, it is not an exaggeration to say the man works harder than I do!
Secondly, to give this man the run of the prison population and to provide a cell without a door. I realise this request may seem extraordinary, to the point of foolhardy risk, but I truly consider there to be absolutely no prospect of peril for anyone at all. There have been rumours for many months that if a meeting Saul is attending goes past the time of the change of guard, the incoming shift is quite at rest for the outgoing shift to leave Saul where he is and not require him to return to his cell. In fact, apparently there have been numerous times when Saul has returned himself to his cell and locked the door himself so the guard will not be charged with dereliction of his duties at Saul’s account. As you can see, I hold this man in the highest regard and trust him implicitly.
Any concern over jealousy by inmates, of what may be perceived as special treatment, can be dismissed as these requests originated from within the centurions and prisoners alike; some from the most unlikely characters.
Whether you agree to my request, or deem it imprudent, I wish to humbly ask that you withdraw your submission for my promotion to Tribunus Laticlavius. As you know, a position of such authority would, at least temporarily, necessitate my relocation to another province. I feel I have much to learn as the Praefectus Castrorum of Roma’s Carcerem, not the least how to include, if possible, the mode and knowledge of Saul’s teachings into the manual on prisoner rehabilitation. It may seem clear to you that my desire is a selfish request, and indeed it is, but I do hope that I have found favour in your sight and that you will approve this small petition.
I look forward to your annual inspection which is a short few months away, when I hope to introduce you to the most extraordinary occupant of a roman prison you will ever meet.
I remain,
You humble servant,
Duticus Maximus
Praefectus Castrorum
Roma Carcerem
MDC December 2020
