The Apostle Paul was the greatest example of Christianity who ever lived. God used him in a most unusual way which continues into the present time, because of the epistles he was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write. Four of those wonderful epistles are known as Prison Epistles, because Paul was in chains and in prison when he wrote them! They are Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon. Remember Paul’s condition as he wrote Holy Spirit inspired words to the recipients, informing them they were being prayed for, to rejoice, etc. Especially Philippians was like that and uses the word rejoice repeatedly (Phil. 1:18; 2:17,18; 4:4,10).
Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. (Phil 3:1)
Spiritual safeguards are very important for Christians to know about and that is one. If you rejoice in the Lord, neither discouragement, despair nor fear will overwhelm and destroy you spiritually. It is often a battle to stay focused on the eternal things. If it worked for Paul, under his conditions, it will work for us too.
To Paul his uncertain time in chains and in prison, which could lead to his execution, was seemingly meaningless. How could he have such a good attitude in such adverse serious conditions? The key is: Paul looked at things through the eye of eternity and focused in upon the SOUL of man! He looked for the good when trouble hit. That’s the key to remember. Guarding your thoughts and keeping focused on eternity, souls and God will get you through the hardest times. When Paul was in chains, he knew his sufferings because of righteousness sake had a positive impact on others to spread the words of life to the benefit of souls:
Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. (Phil 1:14)
What a man of God Paul was. His example remained outstanding even as he was in chains and carried in his body the marks of Jesus. He wasn’t going to quit, go back or stop serving God regardless the unfair treatment he received as he walked in Christian love refuting and warning others of false teachers and sin, which could negate their salvation. He was determined to cross the finish line in his own personal spiritual race and would buffet his own body to prevent himself from being a castaway (1 Cor. 9:27). He had one goal and it had nothing to do with riches, popularity, avoiding persecution, getting a big ministry or anything temporal. He said:
I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me–the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace. (Acts 20:23,24)
Paul continued to testify to the gospel of God’s grace, giving out repeated hell warnings that sin would exclude the previously saved from inheriting God’s kingdom:
The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Gal 5:19-21)
Paul was in chains, but faithfully continued to spread God’s truth to others.
