As far as living arrangements are concerned, I've been in less comfortable places than military barracks, but not many. Open bay barracks are especially impersonal; cramped sleeping conditions, rampant theft and the obvious lack of privacy all work toward an experience most memorable. Still, people can make a home anywhere if necessary.

On one particular first century evening, Paul was in just such a place; Roman barracks to be precise. He was taken there for his own protection. Read more