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"My chains are in Christ."

Text: Philippians 1:13

PAUL’S IMPRISONMENTS

The historian Luke noted the times when Paul was imprisoned in the Book of Acts.

1. In Philippi Acts 16:24 (briefly)

2. In Caesarea Acts 24:27 (for at least 2 years)

3. In Rome Acts 28:16, 30 (at least another 2 years)

The apostle Paul’s reflection about his imprisonments was noted in the following text.

“In stripes above measure,
in prisons more frequently, in deaths often.”
2 Corinthians 11:23

There were other times when Paul suffered imprisonment as well. Not all his movements were recorded in the Book of Acts.

BEARING WITNESS EVEN IN PRISON

Paul made use of every opportunity to bear witness for the Lord Jesus Christ, including the times he spent in jail.

“So that it has become evident to the whole palace guard,
and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ.”
Philippians 1:13

1. “The whole palace guard”

a) This is a reference to the “praetorian guards”.

b) Rome had a very strong force made of praetorian guards whose main duty was to guard the city.

2. “So that it has become evident”

a) The word “evident” means “made clear”.

b) Paul was no criminal.

i) Trumped up charges were made against him.

ii) He suffered much injustice.

c) He had to appeal to stand before Caesar.

i) To obtain justice.

ii) To defend the case of Christianity.

3. “And to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ”

a) The prison guards listened to Paul.

b) Whoever was interested had a chance to hear Paul defend his faith in Christ (Acts 28:30-31).