Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Bolt: To secure, or to flee (10/02/25)
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TITLE: A Jailer’s Choice | Previous Challenge Entry
By Debra Martinez
10/08/25 -
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“ It began,” I said, “earlier that day, when the town magistrates brought two Jews to me at the prison. They had been beaten and taken into custody for upsetting the order of things in Philippi. It seems they were directly involved in affecting the livelihood of some influential individuals, something not taken lightly in this Roman stronghold. Needless to say, I was told to secure the prisoners with extra care, thus mollifying the outraged citizens of Philippi. I marched them into the depths of the prison, a little surprised at their quiet demeanor, and bolted them into leg irons, a very uncomfortable way to spend the night. No chance, I thought, of making a run for it in the near future.
“As I went to my bed,” I continued, “ I became aware again of their unusual response to the situation. These two foreign Jews who had been beaten with rods and bolted into leg irons were actually singing hymns to their God and praying. Other prisoners, I noticed, lent their ears, but I was just amazed at the peace that surrounded them.
“ I made all gates secure, secured my own door, and fell into a deep sleep that lasted until around midnight, when the earthquake hit. It actually tossed me to the floor! Disoriented, I stumbled from my chamber to find the gates open, swung wide. Fear gripped me deep in my bowels as I pictured my prisoners bolting from their cells, running for their lives in this unprecedented opportunity for freedom. Drawing my sword, I planned to do the only thing that made sense to me in that moment. Fearful of the humiliation and punishment that would surely befall me as things came to light, I preferred to be in control of my own death.” I paused for a moment, reliving that horrifying moment of knowing that all was lost. Then , I continued.
“ Now came the most amazing part of my story. As I stood there, prepared to fall on my sword, there came a firm voice from the depths of the prison, saying, ‘ Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!’”
“ That was the moment when my life changed. The pendulum of my emotions swung from despair to hope, and my heart was gripped in a way I find hard to describe. My heart knew that it wanted whatever it was that gave these prisoners the calm strength they had displayed since they were placed in my custody. It clung to the hope of that kind of security in the face of difficulties. The only response that made sense to me at the time, and still does today, was to fall at their feet and ask, ‘ Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’”
“ Paul and Silas, my Jewish captives, then gave my heart, more than my head, a choice. It is amazing now to focus on the clarity of that moment within me. I had spent years as a prison guard, holding people captive so that they could not flee their crimes. Bolting them into stocks, securing cell doors, holding people in order to keep them from fleeing their bonds, and now I was faced with a choice. I could secure myself to my Savior in such a way that He could give me peace and security, or I could flee from His message as far as I could go.
“ Thankfully, my heart told me the answer even as my mind told me to run. And now, for me and my household, we are secure. I guess, in a curious way, we knew in which way to bolt. And now, Elias, do you want to know more?”
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