Ephesians 6:20
“for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak”.
The book of Ephesians along with a few others are prison epistles. Paul wrote them from a Roman jail. I’m surprised by his patience. He was such a hard driving person” He had four missionary journeys. He rarely stayed in one place. The Book of Acts details his travels and much persecution. He and the other apostles had the job of delivering the gospel to the world.
I’m curious if Paul could have had his case against him dealt with much quicker. In stead, he appeals his case to Caesar. This is like someone appealing their case to the supreme court. In our system of justice, one can rarely go directly there. But in the roman system, it appears to be so. It just took longer.
Why would Paul want this? I can thing of two reasons. He wants to share the gospel with Caesar and he wants to share the gospel in Rome. All this is done on the governments dime.
Some saw this as God’s providence, as it gave him the opportunity to write the prison epistles. These aren’t simple “How are you?” letters. Outside of maybe two, the other letters were written to address problems in that particular church, the theological reason why and the steps that should be taken to repair the issues. These are important explanations that greatly inform our faith. The book of Romans reveals some of the greatest explanations in christianity. These letters expound on them. This is important as theology needs more than one referrence.
Salvation by grace through faith may be the most significant one. Ephesians 2:8,9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Many young christians hang out here. This doctrine is not natural. In life, we get what we earn. The common phrase is “There is no free lunch”. So, for salvation to be free, some convincing is necessary. Also, the bible speaks much about us being sinful and that the wages of sin are costly. The infractions done, the laws or ethics broken and the relationships shattered. Are we just going to be forgiven? Some of this requires human restitution, but God will forgive us. Salvation is by grace through faith. The ephesian passage is crucial to driving that home. It doesn’t hint at it, but clearly delivers this ground breaking news.
We, as believers, owe a debt to Paul. Much of our faith comes from his pen. Yes, he was an instrument of God, but he was significant. His writings may have been the reason for the imprisonment.
I’m not sure if he knew that at the time. God rarely shares His reasons for doing things. Paul asked numerous times if God would remove his “thorn in the flesh”. God answered him in 2 Corinthians 12:9, ‘He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.’ God didn’t give him a reason other than this thorn made Paul more aware of his limitations, which caused him to be more dependent on God. Thus more of God’s power was bestowed on Him.
This application goes to all of us. We all have limitations and things we don’t understand. We are free to ask, we are also free to ask to be freed from those things that concern us. He may free us, He may free us later or He may never free us from a struggle. But it would be an opportunity for God’s grace to flow on us more strongly. We are not promised explanations. Some of the issues may be problems that our bad choices brought on. Others just happen. He may give some reasons, but often not.
Peter gives us advice on how we should think about trials and difficulties in his first epistle, “In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ”, (1:6,7). God uses these issues to refine our faith. He says these are more precious than gold.
Like Paul, we aren’t to be discouraged by our problems, but to rejoice that God uses them to improve us and to pour out more grace and power. Peter says to rejoice. That is several levels above acceptance. That is exercising faith. We are believing that He will do this and we are thanking Him in advance.
Many in our world attempt to stir people up to be upset about their circumstances and how their ancestors may have been ill treated. They are encouraged to fight. This is worlds away from what God wants us to do. He doesn’t want us soaking in anger and resentment. But to be thankful, happy and joyful. Believe God, not the voices of culture.
It’s not wrong to attempt to improve our situations. We can pray for His assistance. In all of this we are to be content. Paul says this while in prison, “I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances”, (Philippians 4:11). Seek to improve, but be content and thankful at all times.
God has many good things in store for us. I Corinthians 2:9 says, ‘But as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”‘. Trust Him, seek Him and be content and joyful in the state God has us in. Thank You, Lord.