Wednesday, September 3
Philemon 1-7
1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,
To our beloved coworker Philemon, 2 to our sister Apphia, to our fellow soldier Archippus, and to the church in your house:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
4 I thank my God always when I mention you in my prayers, 5 because I hear of your love for all the saints and your faith toward the Lord Jesus. 6 I pray that the partnership of your faith may become effective as you comprehend all the good that we share in Christ. 7 I have indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, my brother.
“… 1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus …”
When I read this phrase, I am reminded that Paul is a prisoner in a real-life jail. Throughout the book of Acts, we read of Paul’s imprisonment. Again and again, the local authorities and Roman government cast the apostle into prison. Many of his writings come from those times.
However, in this phrase, Paul is not talking about incarceration by some earthly authority. He is a prisoner of Jesus Christ. Throughout his letters, he speaks of being held captive by the Word of God, enslaved by our Lord, and living in chains of faith. Paul’s imprisonment comes because Jesus has called him to an apostle. From that role, he cannot escape.
Through the waters of baptism, we have been called and claimed by God. We are servants of the Lord. In many ways, like Paul, we are prisoners held captive by God’s Word, our faith in Jesus Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit. While we may think of ourselves as prisoners – after all, we have the freedom of the will – yet by God’s grace we have been set free to be servants to all (as Luther claims).
Does that make us prisoners like Paul? Perhaps so.
Prayer: Lord, you have called and claimed us as Your own, making us servants of Your Word. Show me this day the way that I may serve You and Your Word with joy, hope, and peace. Amen.