Ephesians 3:1 For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles—

A Prisoner by the government

Paul is in a physical prison because of His ministry. He is on house arrest awaiting to give his testimony to Caesar. He is free to write and have visitors. It would seem he has more ministry capability because of this imprisonment. However, I don’t believe this was Paul’s tone when he stated he is a prisoner of Christ.

Captured by Christ

Paul claims to be the worst of sinners. Also, in this chapter, Paul claims he is the least of all saints. There is humility with Paul that is opposite from the Paul before conversion. Paul was filled with rage and hatred toward Christians. Because of Paul, many Christians were killed, and many Christians ran for their life away from Paul’s influence. Jesus Christ met Paul supernaturally when Paul was on his way to another attack. Christ captured Paul’s heart and he became a prisoner of Christ by choice. Paul’s love for Christ spread into compassion for the Gentiles who were considered outcasts in his former life. 

Prison has both limitations and opportunities.

When one is in prison, there are several limitations. Many addicted prisoners find their mind becomes clear because they have no access to drugs or alcohol as in their normal life. Most do not have access to the internet and social media. So the junk found online is no longer poisonings their mind. Addicts n Jail can take classes and be connected to religious training with clearer minds and purpose.

Paul is a prisoner of Christ. His focus to seek Christ and be in the presence of God has some positive outcomes. For one, revelations from Christ. One of Paul’s revelations is a vastly expanded understanding of Christ’s love for us and the potential power we have in Christ. Paul writes in verses 16-19 “that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Do I need a type of self-imposed prison?

Would you be willing to place yourself in a type of prison to benefit from more time and focus on Christ? Maybe a prison from gaming, social media, entertainment, and other things that swallow up your precious time. Would you like to receive revelations from Christ and know deeper truths from the Holy Spirit about the power you have in Christ? 

Imprisoned for others

Paul said he was a prisoner of Jesus for the Gentiles. Do you have someone in your life you are praying for or a desire to help someone find greater hope through Christ? You can become a prisoner of Jesus Christ for them. 

My desire

I am choosing to become a prisoner of Christ so God can work through me in my later years in life. I want to see God move in this nation and in my family. What will it take? Prisoners who are seeking Christ. Who place themselves in a restriction to allow the truths of Christ to be revealed.

Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Imprison your lightnside so it will shine even brighter for HIM.