I 136) is the fourth in a series of Oxyrhynchus papyri (133–139) concerning the family affairs of Flavius Apion, his heirs, or his son.
[1] The document contains a contract between the heirs of Flavius Apion and Serenus, with his surety Victor.
Grenfell and Hunt note the interesting occurrence of a clause in this contract which is intended to evade newly established regulations covering such matters (see excerpt below).
[2] I, Victor, surety, do further agree to become surety and bail for the aforesaid Serenus, deacon and administrator, in the discharge and fulfillment of his stewardship; and if he is shown to be in arrears in comparison with his cheques and receipts, to discharge the debt and satisfy your magnificence out of my own private means, renouncing the privilege of sureties, and contrary to the new ordinance issued about sureties and persons accepting responsibility.
Oxyrhynchus Papyri I. London: Egypt Exploration Fund.