The Romans had him under house arrest.  They thought they could stop his preaching.  But Paul could still write.   His “prison” epistles are so named because they were written during one of Paul’s incarcerations.  Some scholars believe that Paul wrote these epistles during his first Roman imprisonment.  In the book of Acts we find references to his being guarded by soldiers, but being permitted to receive visitors.  This time produced three great letters to the churches of Ephesus, Colossae and Philippi, as well as a personal letter to his friend Philemon.

The letters were written for the churches he founded on his second missionary journey.  His writing reflects his pastor’s heart and his love and concern for those he thought of as his spiritual children.  The letter to his friend and fellow laborer, Philemon, was a plea for forgiveness.  Philemon’s slave, Onesimus, had run away from Philemon to Rome, where he met the aging Paul.  He became a convert to Christ.  Paul asks Philemon to receive Onesimus back as a brother in Christ.  The theme of the book is forgiveness and the power of the gospel to undermine the evils of slavery by changing the hearts of both masters and slaves, so that spiritual equality is achieved.

Last week I wrote about Martin Luther King, Jr. writing from the Birmingham City Jail.  Paul wrote while under house arrest in Rome.  Do you feel like you too are being held captive?  Perhaps declining health, disability, or care-giving responsibilities make you feel imprisoned in your own home.  Wherever we find ourselves, our Lord urges us to take courage.  If you were to write a letter to your followers or family, what message would you have?

Lord, let us realize the outpouring of your unconditional love.  Help us to use all circumstances to serve and glorify You.

Judy