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Daily Devotions

Ephesians

Ephesians 
Day 
Day 181

"I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called."

Text: Ephesians 4:1

ROMAN PRISONS

In order to understand Paul’s reference to being a “prisoner of the Lord” we need to appreciate the kind of prison facilities the Romans had.

1. Fortress Antonia

This Roman fortress was built by king Herod to honour Mark Anthony. It was situated N.W. of the Jerusalem Temple. A Roman garrison watched over the temple courts to preserve law and order. Paul was arrested and put into the prison barracks (Acts 23:10)

2. Caesarea Palaestinae

This city was named in honour of Augustus Caesar. This city boasted many grand buildings. Pontius Pilate lived in the governor’s residence in this city. He was escorted under heavy guard to Caesarea when his Jewish enemies plotted to kill him. He remained a prisoner at the Praetorium of Caesarea of Palestine (Acts 23:33-35). He remained a prisoner at Caesarea for two years (Acts 24:27).

3. Military Imprisonment

Two forms may be mentioned:-

a) Chaining of the prisoner to a solider (Acts 12:4; 21:33)

Both Peter and Paul had this experience.

b) Putting the feet of a prisoner in the stocks (Acts 16:24)

Paul was imprisoned in this manner in Philippi.

4. House Arrest in Rome

Paul was put under “house arrest” while awaiting trial in Rome (Acts 28:30-31). There was comparative ease in having visitors. Nevertheless, Paul’s freedom was severely restricted.

A POSITIVE OUTLOOK

Long before Paul ended up in a Roman prison, he had determined within his heart that he would not be afraid of any suffering that he might be asked to endure for the sake of the Gospel. In his farewell message to the elders of the Ephesian church, he uttered these moving words that displayed his positive faith-outlook.

And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem,
not knowing the things that will happen to be there,
except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying
that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things
move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may
finish my race with joy…
ACTS 20:22-24