SEPTEMBER 1, Ephesians 1:1

Prison - none of us has ever been locked inside a prison. Must be sad to be locked up, and not have families and friends around. Food in prisons must be yucky and living conditions terrible. Prisons are dark and dreary. What types of people can you find there? Mostly bad characters, vulgar and violent. Others would have bodies may be marked with tattoos or scars probably from fights. A prisoner is a person who has done something wrong and has broken the law of the country. In all likelihood, anyone who ends up in the jail has somewhat committed an offence or a crime.

Where was Paul when he was writing Ephesians? He was in jail! Did he do anything wrong or bad? Definitely not! How did he end up in the jail? It was for the gospel’s sake. Paul was God’s servant to bring the good news of salvation to people but there were some who did not believe in God and so would do anything to stop him. This was how he was captured and put into the jail.

In such circumstances, Paul did not blame God. He knew God’s will and willingly obeyed God. Despite being in prison, he thought of fellow Christians in churches he started. They needed encouragement and comfort. Since he could not be present with them, the only way of encouraging them is by writing letters. He hoped to build up their faith and confidence in God through his letters. Paul was a good writer. By writing, he could share God’s love and grace with others. He simply loved to tell the story of Jesus. There was no stopping him from telling others of Jesus.

Did he only write one letter while in prison? Besides the letter to the church of Ephesus, he wrote three others. One was to a friend whose name was P_______________ (IEOMNHPL – the first letter is given). The other two were to the C_______________ (SSSOOCLNAI) and the P_______________ (SIIIPPPHLAN).

(This month begins our devotional study on the prison epistle to the Ephesian church.)

Thought: Will you write a card or letter to a friend to encourage him in the faith?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the Bible. Thank You that Your servants wrote the Bible for us to read. It is through their writing that we can know You and all the wonderful things You have done for us. Grant us a desire to read the Bible so that we know how to love You because You first loved us. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.