Does being in prison change a person? How would it affect you? I can imagine the Apostle Paul’s frustration. He loved to disciple and establish churches as he traveled throughout the Roman empire. To be locked up would be difficult after all his travels, the miracles, and leading so many to Jesus. He probably asked “why?”

Personally, I would have definite issues. I made a shortlist.

• Angry and depressed?
• Frustrated? Anxious?
• Full of self-pity, self-doubt?
• Isolated, lonely?
• Frightened? Worried? Apprehensive?
• Cold, hungry, and sleepless?

During his imprisonment, I’m sure that the Apostle Paul had to face all of these. I’m certain that Satan tempted him repeatedly. That cell was the scene of many spiritual confrontations. Most commentators feel that he would be imprisoned in Rome for at least two years. That’s a long time.

It’s generally agreed that he wrote the four epistles in 60-62 AD. These letters were written from his prison cell in Rome: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Each of these four are very different.

You can smell the prison in the book of Ephesians.

Despite the normal response of an incarcerated man, Paul’s writings from the Mamertine Prison are incredibly encouraging–he shows none of the issues of a man locked up in a cell, chained to a wall. But in that dark cold prison, Paul ignited.

It’s clear to me that Paul used this time to witness through his writings. And through them we the Church, through every century and on every continent, are now blessed by these epistles. His time in prison had to happen to bless us today. Where would we be without these books?

Paul’s writings are God’s gift to us today.

From a dark prison, Paul writes these absolutely incredible letters. I believe Satan wanted to destroy Paul. There’s no question that this was a tremendous trial for him. But Paul is a spiritual force, he wasn’t about to be denied. He intensely wanted to establish and strengthen churches. But Paul must be chained up first.

“Paul, we desperately need your letters!”

Perhaps, out of our own confusion and challenges, God’s purposes are obscure and doubtful. That’s what we think. Sometimes we have no idea what our “imprisonment” is going to do to us, and our ministry. But as I get older that encourages me, for He has a special tendency to turn hard times into spiritual gold!

“A great leader’s courage to fulfill his vision comes from passion, not position.”

     John C. Maxwell