Lessons from Paul's Confinement iofii

Redeeming the Time

Colossians 3:17–4:1 NKJV

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them. Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality. Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

The command in immediately followed by terse statements of instruction to all walks of human life.

Whatever human circumstance you encounter, whatever the false teaching you encounter, do all in the name of Christ who is the preeminent head over all things.

wives submit, husbands love, children obey, fathers nurture, bondservants obey, masters give…

“...in the Lord, …to the Lord, …fearing God, …knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.”

All () “serve the Lord Christ.” cf. 1 Cor. 7:23 “he who is called while free is the Lord’s slave.”

Every moment, effort, and circumstance ought to be rendered in service to Him.

additionally, the single:

1 Corinthians 7:32 NKJV

But I want you to be without care. He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord—how he may please the Lord.

1 Corinthians 7:29–31 NKJV

But this I say, brethren, the time is short, so that from now on even those who have wives should be as though they had none, those who weep as though they did not weep, those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice, those who buy as though they did not possess, and those who use this world as not misusing it. For the form of this world is passing away.

1 Cor. 7:

In fact, whatever the circumstance, all that we have and are belongs to the Lord!

1 Corinthians 7:35 NKJV

And this I say for your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction.

1 Cor. 7:

It is to our own profit that we serve the Lord without letting ourselves become encumbered or distracted by the things of this world, which are passing away.

Paul sets the example in his confinement which he has commanded others to obey.

WE must each take account of our own circumstances, and serve Him, not with eyeservice, but as pleasing God.

Teaching Media Changed

Acts 28:30 KJV 1900

And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,

Paul who previously went from house to house,” and “marketplace,” and “every street corner.”

Now his methods must change:

People come to him.

Timothy to bring certain necessities to him.

Parchments for writing

2 Timothy 4:13 NKJV

Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments.

Philippians 1:25–27 NKJV

And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again. Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,

Colossians 1:24–2:5 NKJV

I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily. For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.