Verse 16 “The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.”
Paul’s imprisonment for preaching the good news of Jesus has a continuous effect on the brotherhood at large. Somehow, locking Paul up had a positive effect on his Christian friends. Their affection for the apostle grew as they watched his steadfast devotion to Jesus in spite of his chains. Instead of getting angry they got busy. This wrongful treatment, as it often does, caused those observing to become activist.
Wherever Paul traveled and preached Jewish leaders made an effort to silence him. Stripes from a cane, chains and a jail cell with guards, or even attempts on his life were all the tools of the anti-Jesus group. The opposition would have removed all Christians if they could have and later the emperor made it a possibility. Christians are still being persecuted in our modern world. Those who preach peace have trouble finding peace due to the hatred of the anti-Christ movement.
It’s too late for us to pray for Paul but we can pray for those around the world who are in prison or in danger because they claim Jesus as Lord. We can encourage our government to intervene where this is occurring and certainly, we can ask that it be stopped in our own country.
Task for Today: Don’t waste your religious freedom by doing nothing. If you have the freedom to preach and teach Jesus, then you must do it to claim to be His brother. Tell the old, old story. Share the good news. Pray today for those Christians in peril. Come quickly, O’ Lord.
Philip Dampier's Blog 