Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called."
Text: Ephesians 4:1
ROUGH TREATMENT IN PHILIPPI
Paul experienced different types of treatment as a prisoner. In one instance, Paul and Silas suffered terribly in this instance. The following text bears testimony of the terrible time they had in Philippi.
Then the multitude rose up together against them;
and the magistrate tore off their clothes and commanded them
to be beaten with rods. And when they had laid many stripes
on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer
to keep them securely . Having received such a charge,
he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet
in the stocks.
ACTS 16:22-24
DIGNITY DISPLAYED AS A PRISONER OF THE LORD
Paul brought great meaning to the phrase, “prisoner of the Lord”. He was determined that he would at all times manifest himself as a faithful and good servant of the Lord.
1. Singing and praying despite being brutally beaten
The response of Paul and Silas while being in prison was outstanding and truly unique. The historian Luke wrote,
But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns
to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
ACTS 16:25
One can understand the prisoners praying to God. But Paul and Silas were doing more than that. They were actually singing hymns to God! What a duet they made!
2. Focused on Evangelism
God sent an earthquake and released His faithful servants from their chains. The keeper of the jail thought that all was lost when he came onto the scene. If any of his prisoners had escaped, he would have to pay with his life. Rather than face that, the jailer wanted to commit suicide.
Paul and Silas called out to him and assured him that no one had escaped. They went on to share the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ with the jailer. That same night, the jailer and his family were baptized (Cf. Acts 16:33-34).
3. Protesting innocence
With great dignity Paul declared that he was a Roman citizen (Cf. Acts 16:37-38). Under the law, every Roman deserves the protection of mighty Rome. Instead of receiving protection, they had been served injustice! Paul’s statement bore great weight.
They have beaten us openly, uncondemned Romans
and have thrown us into prison…
ACTS 16:37