Thursday, June 30, 2016

Prison Epistles

The Apostle Paul spent much time in prison because of his testimony for the Lord. While in prison in Rome he wrote 5 epistles. The following are very brief statements that are helpful outlines of the theme of each one:

Colossians — The positive side of the gospel: union with Christ in glory.

Ephesians — The church: the body
united to Christ its head.

Philippians — Personal devotedness.

Philemon — Practical righteousness through grace.

2 Timothy — Personal faithfulness in “the last days” (2 Timothy 3:1).

Paul always accepted his imprisonment from the Lord. Five times he referred to himself as the “prisoner of the Lord,” or some similar expression. (Ephesians 3:1 and 4:1; 2 Timothy 1:8; Philemon 1,9). He could say, “In prisons more frequent” (2 Corinthians 11:23). What a blessing he was to others, and used of God in a mighty way because he accepted his circumstances from the Lord and used them in His service. What a good lesson this is for all of us!