CONNECTING POINT: Life Behind Bars

Incarcerated but Free: Four New Testament Books for Today

I’ll call him Bob. We traveled for not a few years on business, and when he was the driver, he would get into the zone and could talk. We could go twenty miles, and he could talk the whole time. I’d sit quietly for those miles, and he would just jabber away. Talk about “talking a person’s ears off.” I was his captive, no foul. This gives us our title for this new series: Life Behind Bars. We will study four Epistles, otherwise known as the “Prison Epistles.” We will examine the books of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Paul gave his life for Christ, and we are so indebted to him for his testimony, preserved in these letters.

Paul, the author of most books in the New Testament, was held captive in Rome around 60 AD. For two years, he was confined under house arrest awaiting trial, and a Roman soldier was assigned to him 24/7. Paul was shackled most of the time to these guards, chained to the soldier. Was Paul guilty of a crime? No. A murderer? Or even theft? No.

He was detained because of his faith in Jesus Christ, and a mere few years earlier, he was a terrible persecutor of Christians. As a Roman citizen, he was the “antagonist personified” of Jesus. Wow, how he changed. His conversion was complete, and Paul was being prepared by God to die for Christ. We will pick up Paul and run a thumbnail on the four books.

How did Paul pass the time while under arrest and in jail? Well, his passion for Christ and right thinking drove him to sound warnings that the times were tough. Doctrine, love of doctrine, and love for other churches drove him to write to these various communities. These demonstrate that diversity. It makes them special for today, and maybe even more accessible for many twenty-somethings than much of the rest of the Bible - just saying. Paul instructs, inspires, separates, encourages, and rends his hair.

Ephesians emphasizes the unity of the church and Christ’s supremacy. It is a personal favorite of some of my friends. Parts of it set very, very high standards. For example, when churches and congregations divide, it provides back-to-basics clarity. He reminds you of the suffering Christ.

Philippians is an encouragement to live a Gospel-centered life by trusting Christ and to have joy in all circumstances. Paul was living this out to the greatest degree as a prisoner.

Regarding the book of Colossians, this medium-sized epistle is easily comprehended by modern Americans as a counter-offensive. False teachings quickly generated among the faithful. Paul focuses on spiritual maturity. Erroneous doctrine and immaturity, and spiritual immaturity is no exception, go together like hand in glove. From the beginning to the present day, false doctrines have existed. In the age of the Internet, false doctrine is even more tempting.

Finally, last but not least, the book of Philemon, a very small book indeed, is a plea for two men. I’ve been struck by its incredible instruction on how grace can work in daily relationships.

Paul, while writing to the Corinthian church before his imprisonment, spoke about the “freedom” he experienced by following Jesus, as seen in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. Paul, along with other 1st Century believers, gave their all for Christ. Are you willing to do the same, giving everything for Christ?