Originally the praetorium was the headquarters of a Roman army commander, whether the supreme commander in Rome or a lesser commander in one of the provinces. Later it became also the official residence and administration centre of the provincial governor (Matthew 27:27; Mark 15:16; Acts 23:10; Acts 23:35; Acts 25:6; Acts 25:13-14). On one occasion when Paul was held prisoner, he mentioned that he was guarded by soldiers from the praetorium (Philippians 1:13).