Set Free

Memorable Moments Hebrews

Hebrews 13:3 ESV

Acts 16:16-24 ESV

Galatians 5:1 The Message

The author of Hebrews also implored followers of Jesus to remember those who are in prison.

At the time it was written, many saints had been imprisoned for their faith.

That, however was only one piece of the puzzle.

So…what are the odds that the saints who were imprisoned didn’t share the story of Jesus to the other lost and desperately unhappy prisoners? Did they pray healing for the prisoners? Did they love the other prisoners? Did they tell them the story of Jesus?

We read Hebrews 13:3, “Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.”

The author does not specify who they were referring to; the request referred to all prisoners.

In the 1st Century it seems like it was pretty common for high profile leaders of the people of the Way ( followers of Jesus) to be imprisoned.

Paul was in prison and what were his crimes?

We learn from Acts 16:16-24, “As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour. But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers. And when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, “These men are Jews, and they are disturbing our city. They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice.” The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.”

At different times many others were imprisoned:

Peter was also imprisoned.

James was imprisoned.

John was imprisoned.

Anything or anyone that would threaten to disrupt the Roman system was a target.

Many of the early believers were imprisoned because they advocated for a change in the name of Jesus.

The overall intent of the mention of remembering those who are imprisoned in Hebrews 13:3 was to pray for those who are being mistreated while in prison. In the first century, all prisoners of the state were mistreated.

The same request would be applicable today.

Regardless of their history and their innocence or guilt, no man or woman should ever suffer mistreatment while they are in prison.

Every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

I remember the first time I visited a prison. I was serving with an organized group of believers who regularly went to a prison to pray for the inmates. In the beginning I wasn’t sure what to think. I didn’t know what to expect. I soon found out the prisoners we visited were grateful for the visit and they appreciated our prayers. We did pray for them.

We were not told why they were in prison. That didn’t really matter. What mattered is that we prayed for them and encouraged them. We let them know we cared.

At another time in ministry I went with a choir to sing to the prisoners. I know they were appreciative of the music we shared at Christmas time. I remember thinking how difficult it would be to not be able to go to church to hear Christmas music or to go to a Candlelight service.

The bottom line is that they were not free. They had to live with their situation.

Even so, it’s important for us to remember to pray for those who are not free for whatever reason. Because of that the words written by the author of Hebrews are as important today as they were in the first century.

Praying for those in prison or who feel imprisoned is very crucial for them because prayer does encourage and strengthen those who are not free to make their own daily choices.

After all, there are people who are not in prison but they are imprisoned. They need true freedom, freedom that only Jesus can give.

The Apostle Paul well understood the true meaning of freedom. In Galatians 5:1 he wrote, “Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.”

In the case of the Apostle Paul, at different times while he was in prison he received many visitors and he was able to take the time to write. He used his time well. Paul’s writings continue to help and encourage believers today.

I am ever so grateful for his writings because they remind me Christ sets me free!

Spiritual Practice: Free

Contemplate the freedom we experience through Christ. Even if you do not know someone who is not free, ask God to help someone in your neighborhood, your town, your state who needs the freedom that only Jesus can offer. God WILL honor your prayer.

In God, Deborah

acrazyjourney,com