In a recent trip to Italy with Renee, we had the opportunity to visit the Mamertino Prison. It is the reported location of the Roman imprisonment of the Apostles Paul and Peter (at different times).
There is nothing biblically critical if it is or not the actual location. I’m sure it at least represents the conditions of an ancient prison cell. Today, a Roman Catholic church has been built on top of the prison to memorialize Paul’s and Peter’s prison time. There was the typical propaganda, money to be made, and improper emphasis of the location. The cell has obviously been prepared for presentation and protected from vandalism. For this, I’m thankful.
To be in an ancient location such as was of significant interest to me.
Be sure of this, there were no lines to wait in. There were no other “tourist” pushing their way through, no one taking selfies. It was a quiet place, at least while we were there.
The cell sits about two floors under ground level, it would have been very dark. There had not been any rain while we were in Rome but the cell was damp.
Access to the lower level would have been through a hole in the ceiling, like a manhole.
To see such a place as this puts the prison writings of Paul into perspective.
“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:3-6 NASB)
And then for the gospel preacher to the gentiles to acknowledge that to endure such temporal suffering was seen as such in light of the gospel.
“For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me.” (Philippians 1:7 NASB)
Saved by “Grace Alone!” for the glory of God, alone.
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