Daily Devotions
Hebrews
"Remember the prisoners as if chained with them..."
Text: Hebrews 13:3a
UNDER ROMAN RULE
The first century saw the world ruled by the Roman emperor. His empire was vast and he ruled it with an iron fist! Every rebellion was quelled with speed and strength. Rome practised slavery as a means of punishment and control of the empire.
THE PENAL SYSTEM
Rome’s judicial system believed in swift and ruthless administration of its laws. Imprisonment was one of the means of punishment of offenders. Sometimes, incarceration led to a slow death. But at all times, imprisonment brought great suffering.
Not all who were imprisoned were guilty of breaking the law. Some were jailed simply because they were believers in Christ! Rome was prepared to imprison anyone who was perceived as a threat to its security and peace.
IDENTIFYING WITH PRISONERS
The writer of Hebrews was aware of the sad and dangerous plight of prisoners. Thus he wrote to all his readers to identify with those in prison.
“Remember the prisoners as if chained with them-
those who are mistreated- since you yourselves
are in the body also.”
Hebrews 13:3