Paul’s Perspective from Prison

This morning we watched a Mason and Carter play basketball. Their team is coached by their father and they won, with Mason scoring half of the team’s points. We then enjoyed connecting with our friends Billy and Carol Roberts.img_83921-1

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains.” Ephesians 6:19-20 NIV

When Paul was a prisoner in Rome, he penned several of his apostolic letters. One of those was the letter to the believers at Ephesus. At the end of the letter we find an admonition to the church and his prayer request from the church.

Being in prison would shape Paul’s perspective as he writes to those whom he has great affection and concern. We see that coming across in his final words. He know what has happened to him is not unique and being in prison for the sake of the gospel will not end with him.

So, he admonishes believers to stand firm, be strong and be prepared. He wants them to know that even in a hostile political and religious environment that there is more than just human activity. “…or our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12 NIV)

Spiritual battles are won with spiritual armor. So Paul writes about the virtues and commitments that provide the believer the protection and weapons that are needed in the present battles.

Therefore put on the full armor of God…Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith…Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:13-17 NIV)

He then urges Holy Spirit guided and empowered prayer. “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests…. always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” (Ephesians 6:18 NIV)

As Paul asks for prayer for himself, it serves as a request and a charge to God’s people. Paul asks for prayer to fearlessly declare the gospel. He doesn’t ask for grace from government. He doesn’t ask for a miracle release from even “house arrest.” He asks that for whatever freedom he has and whatever opportunity arises, that he would be bold and courageous in declaring the truth of God’s Word.

If I were in prison and suffering for my faith, I can think of a host of things to pray for, and the fearless proclamation of the gospel, would not have been at the top of my list. But it was for Paul and he wanted it to be the practice of God’s people as they faced their spiritual enemy with the full complement of armor that is needed for success in the fight.

I believe as we view this passage about the “armor of God” we need to remember some of the final and all important commands. Prayer and fearless proclamation of the gospel need to be viewed as what we do when fully equipped. Otherwise we are just tin soldiers, who look like soldiers but don’t engage in the battle.

Prayer for today… Lord enable us to be fully equipped and prepared to do Your work. As we are, compel us forward in the task before us of “fearless” proclamation of Your gospel.