"Prisoner for the Lord"

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 3:1-3 ESV)

Paul starts his letter to the church in Ephesus with words consistent with other Epistles; he used this greeting in his Epistle to Philemon. His greeting reveals his humility and devotion to Christ. The phrase Paul often used was, "a prisoner for the Lord ", and it frequently confuses some on its meaning. What is Paul referring to when he calls himself a prisoner for the Lord?

I have been asked if Jesus imprisoned Paul because of his former persecution or if his service was like a prison sentence. The words that follow this phrase explain what Paul is referring to and how we are to not only view but also emulate it in our own lives.

When Paul wrote this letter, he was in prison in Rome. We must remember Paul's experiences during his evangelistic journeys and his sustained trials. Paul had been shipwrecked three times; He was beaten with rods, scourged, faced dangerous animals, imprisoned, and finally beheaded. Paul was cursed with a “thorn in his side” that some think was a demonically led false teacher. This 'thorn in his side' was a constant struggle for Paul, but he saw it as a reminder of his reliance on God and a source of humility.

Paul, being a prisoner for Christ, meant that he totally devoted his life to Christ. He was a prisoner for Christ because he was imprisoned because of his devotion, not imprisoned by Christ. Paul stood by as Stephen was stoned to death because of his faith in the Lord. I am confident that Paul remembered his part and that Stephen was willing to give up his life for the gospel. When Paul came to faith, he must have realized for the first time why Stephen was a willing martyr.

Paul calls us to always walk as children of God, no matter the repercussions. We are to be humble in our service, remembering Christ did for us what we could never do. He calls us to be patient and gentle towards others, even when the opposite is given to us. When we fail at this, the Spirit convicts us, and we are to make things right with our brother or sister and repent of our sins. The weight of our sins is heavy, but the relief of forgiveness is even heavier.

Our happiness comes from within. It comes from Christ and the Holy Spirit, who lives in us. Happiness comes from the truth of the gospel and from recognizing that God loves us despite our sinful nature. True happiness comes not from chasing tangible things or emotional heights but from the love of our Savior.

We will be cursed at, we will be called evil, racist, misogynists, homophobic, and other vile things because of the gospel, Christ told us this. Society thrives in debased minds; it makes evil good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20). As persecution increases, we must keep our eye on the prize, like Paul, we must fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith (2 Timothy 4:7), no matter the cost. Christ, who was sinless, came in the flesh, was tortured, and hung on a tree, dying for your sins.

What will you do for Christ? Do you know Jesus Christ as your Savior? Have you turned your life over to Him, repenting of your sins? If you want to know Jesus, contact us at In Messiah Ministries. We can show you the truth of the gospel in the Bible and the way to Salvation.

Grace and Peace.