Prisoner to the Gospel

August 19, 2008

By Greg Ebie

Paul arrived in Rome still a prisoner. The Romans allowed him to have his own home but assigned a soldier to guard him. Paul’s freedom was limited. Still, Paul never let his circumstances determine his attitude or his actions. Ultimately Paul was a prisoner to the gospel.

As was his custom, Paul invited the Jewish leaders in Rome to come and hear him. He told them of the events that had happened in Jerusalem, how he had been arrested and that he had appealed to Caesar. Paul made it clear that his appeal was not to cause trouble for Israel; they had had enough problems with the Romans. Paul still held out hope that the Jews would respond to the message and be saved.

“They [the Jewish leaders in Rome] said, ‘Nobody wrote warning us about you. And no one has shown up saying anything bad about you. But we would like very much to hear more. The only thing we know about this Christian sect is that nobody seems to have anything good to say about it” (Acts 28:21,22, The Message).

God gave Paul the opportunity to preach the gospel to the Jews in Rome. Upon hearing the message, some believed and put their faith in Christ. Paul remained faithful to his call to share the hope of salvation through the death and resurrection of Christ.

Perhaps no one reading this has been taken as a prisoner for faith in Christ. Still, like Paul, some of us may have those we know and love who are not open to the gospel. Their hearts are hard and unresponsive. It may be family members, co-workers or friends.

Be encouraged to not give up. Like Paul, remain faithful to pray for them and take every opportunity given to you to share your hope in Christ. Don’t be a prisoner to the jokes or laughter of others. Don’t be held captive by fear. Like Paul, be a prisoner to the gospel and continue to share that truth. God will reward your faithfulness, and you too will see a harvest of salvation.

— D. Greg Ebie is senior pastor of Praise Assembly of God in Garrettsville, Ohio, and an author of Daily Bread devotionals.