Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the responsibility of guards over prisoners was a significant duty, often carrying severe consequences for failure. The role of a guard was not merely to oversee the physical containment of prisoners but also to ensure their well-being and prevent any escape or harm. This responsibility is highlighted in several biblical narratives, illustrating the gravity and seriousness with which this duty was regarded.One of the most notable examples is found in the account of the Philippian jailer in Acts 16. Paul and Silas were imprisoned, and the jailer was charged with their custody. When an earthquake miraculously opened the prison doors, the jailer, fearing the escape of the prisoners, was about to take his own life. Acts 16:27-28 states, "When the jailer woke and saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, thinking the prisoners had escaped. But Paul called out in a loud voice, 'Do not harm yourself! We are all here!'" This passage underscores the severe consequences guards faced if prisoners escaped, often resulting in the guard's own life being at stake. In the Old Testament, the account of Joseph provides another example. When Joseph was wrongfully imprisoned in Egypt, the prison warden entrusted him with significant responsibilities due to his trustworthy nature. Genesis 39:22-23 notes, "And the warden put all the prisoners under Joseph’s care, so that he was responsible for all that was done in the prison. The warden did not concern himself with anything under Joseph’s care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did." Here, the warden's trust in Joseph highlights the importance of reliability and integrity in those responsible for prisoners. The account of Peter's imprisonment in Acts 12 further illustrates the high stakes for guards. After Peter was miraculously freed by an angel, Herod ordered the execution of the guards who had been responsible for him. Acts 12:19 records, "After Herod had searched for him and did not find him, he examined the guards and ordered that they be executed." This severe punishment reflects the Roman practice of holding guards accountable with their lives for the escape of prisoners. In the case of the Apostle Paul, when he was under house arrest in Rome, he was guarded by soldiers. Acts 28:16 states, "When we arrived in Rome, Paul was permitted to stay by himself, with a soldier to guard him." This arrangement indicates a level of trust and responsibility placed on the guard, as Paul was not confined to a traditional prison but still required supervision. The biblical narratives consistently demonstrate that guards were expected to maintain strict vigilance over prisoners, with their own lives often at risk should they fail in their duties. This responsibility was not taken lightly, as the consequences of negligence were severe, reflecting the broader societal and legal expectations of the time. Nave's Topical Index Acts 12:18,19Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. Nave's Topical Index Library The End Paul's Epistles; his Collection for the Poor Saints at Jerusalem ... The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty Chaldaean Civilization The Interpretation of the Articles. The Last Days of the Old Eastern World The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The Doctrine of Jesus Christ. The Iranian Conquest Resources How do I get a passion for Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgWhen and how was Judah conquered by the Babylonians? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that “by His stripes we are healed”? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Prisoners of War by Divine Command Prisoners of War: Consolations For Prisoners of War: Put to Death Prisoners of War: Thumbs and Toes Cut off Prisoners: Confined in the Court of the Palace Prisoners: Confined in the House of the Captain of the Guard Prisoners: Confined in the House of the Scribe Prisoners: Guards Responsible For Prisoners: Kindness To by Felix Prisoners: Kindness To by Julius, the Centurion Prisoners: Kindness To by the Philippian Jailer to Paul Prisoners: Kindness To by the Prison Guard to Jeremiah Prisoners: Permitted to Make Defense Prisoners: Severe Hardships of, Mitigated Prisoners: Sustained on Bread and Water of Affliction Prisoners: To be Visited and Ministered To Prisoners: Tortured to Extort Self-Incriminating Testimony Related Terms Fellow-prisoners (1 Occurrence) |
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