#1428. I Paul the prisoner (12/1/26)
- Matt Beaney
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we continue our Ephesians series: Ephesians - To the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God.
From Ephesians 3:1–3, we ask: How can I remain trusting and faithful when I’m called to suffer like Christ?
To watch this devotional, please select the link below:
‘For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles - Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.’ (Ephesians 3:1-3)
Paul begins this section by saying, ‘For this reason…’ - In light of all the riches that they have in Christ (which he has previously been speaking about) he is about to pray, but he takes a detour only to pick up the prayer in verse 14.
1. Paul is in prison for his service to God
Paul reminds them that he is writing this letter from prison, most likely in Rome. Our text reads:
‘For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles…
He explains that his suffering comes from his mission to bring the gospel to the Gentiles. As he also says in Colossians 1:24–25:
‘Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.’
Paul saw his suffering as part of sharing in Christ’s own sufferings - not adding to Christ’s redemptive work, but participating in His pattern of sacrificial love. To follow Jesus is to serve as He did, and often, that means suffering as He did.
2. He is seeking to reassure his readers
Paul wants his readers to know that his imprisonment does not mean that God’s plan has failed. Far from it — God is working through Paul’s chains to advance the gospel. What seems like a setback is actually serving God’s glory. At the end of this section, he makes his purpose clear:
‘I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.’ (Ephesians 3:13)
When those we love suffer, or when we suffer ourselves, it’s easy to lose heart. But Paul reminds us: God is sovereign, and His grace is at work, even in the darkest circumstances.
3. Paul remains faithful to God’s call on His life
Paul describes his ministry as
‘… the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.’
The Greek word oikonomia means stewardship - a sacred trust or responsibility. Paul knew that God had entrusted him with the task of proclaiming the gospel and teaching about the grace of Christ.
Even in prison, Paul stays faithful to that calling. His circumstances may have changed, but his stewardship - his calling - has not; he had a responsibility from God to make His grace known and build up the church in God’s grace.
Response
To remain faithful, we must remember that suffering is an essential part of being like Jesus.
To remain faithful, we must recognise that we are called to serve Christ in all circumstances - not just when life is easy.
Do we remain trusting when we or those we love are suffering?
Do we actively encourage those whose faith is being shaken by trials?
Do we pray when hardship hits - or do we only worry?
Let’s learn from Paul: even in chains, he prays, trusts, and serves because he knows the One who holds him is faithful.
Community Group Notes
1. Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
2. Icebreaker
What about the Christmas period and New Year has inspired you in your faith?
3. Worship together
Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.
4. Study and pray together
Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.
This week, we continues our Ephesians series: Ephesians: to the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God.
Our message on Sunday from Ephesians 3:1-13, was entitled: The Mystery Revealed and Our Call to Make It Known.
I would love us all to think more on Ephesians together, and so, why not use our Come to Jesus Daily devotions each day; please ensure that everyone knows about, and knows how to access our daily devotions on the church website or other platforms.
Personal Reflection – What did God speak to you about through Sunday’s message?
Please read Ephesians 3:1-9: What was Paul’s calling from God and how does he demonstrate great faithfulness?
What is the ‘mystery’ now revealed?
Read Ephesians 3:10-13: We are called to reveal the ‘manifold wisdom of God’ together, what does this mean?
How is what Paul says about our access to God in prayer and worship, the heart and springboard of the gospel and making it known?
SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)
How does our love make us effective in mission?
How would praying together lead to more effective mission?
Share Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.
Practical Next Steps – Who is God putting on your heart to reach? Are there any ‘people of peace’ (*see note) in your life—those who are receptive to you and spiritual conversation?
Let’s pray together:
Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.
Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.
Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.
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