Recently I was reading in the book of Philemon, which doesn't often happen because it is so small and easy to overlook, so let me start with a quick plug extolling the benefits of systematic reading of scripture if nothing else! This time, as I read, I was struck by a couple of verses - in this blog I will focus on the first .... in verse 1 we read "Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus..." Which is an interesting way to start a letter, especially when we consider that Paul was in f act a prisoner of the Rom an state ... so why does he refer to himself in this way? W hat is captivity? The greek word 'prisoner' is transl ated as " a captive (as bound):--in bonds, prisoner." The idea of captivity can be expressed as follows; The dictionary defi nes cap tive as; n. 1. One, such as a prisoner of war, who is forcibly confined, subjugated, or enslaved. 2. One held in the grip of a strong emotion or passion. Which interestingly leads us to reflect o...
A collection of thoughts as I wander through life as a Christian, Husband, Father of four and Missions Director. Try to limit posts to 500 words to make them as accessible as possible.