Paul was often in a ‘lockdown’ situation due to his Imprisonments. However, Paul, even when in chains, was actively serving God; likewise, it’s so important that we don’t put walking with God on pause at this time.
1. Paul knew that Jesus is alive and is active no matter what circumstances he found himself in.
‘Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained.’ (2 Timothy 2:8-9)
What would you say was the condition of Paul’s faith even in these trying times?
What is not chained?
Paul did all that he could with the opportunities that he had. I love what we read in Philippians (written from prison) ‘…All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household’ (Philippians 4:22). This implies that some of his captors were converted through his ministry! We may be constrained (if not chained!) at this time, but what are the opportunities that God wants you to take hold of?
2. Paul’s mission to Macedonia, which led to the planting of the Philippian church, also led to their imprisonment. However, it was this ‘lockdown’ that was the catalyst that led to salvation and the birth of this church. We pick up the story from prison,
‘…He put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.’ (Acts 16:24-26)