Prisoner

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, (2 Timothy 1:8, 9 ESV)

When you think of someone in prison, what comes to mind? What characteristics do you think of about when thinking of the prisoner?  Would you trust a prisoner with your money, your house, your family?  Would you trust them with your life?  I never really thought of Paul in that light, though I know he was in prison.  Imagine how it must have been perceived when people were turning to Christ as a result of Paul's preaching.  I am confident that many scoffed and thought the new converts mad to believe the words of a prisoner.  Paul's boldness did not diminish, and he urged Timothy to not be ashamed of either the Gospel of Christ or of himself.  Today, Let us be busy about His holy calling to share the good news, to fulfill His purpose for our lives by grace.  We have it so much easier, we are not in prison, yet our boldness seems elementary.  Let us be prepared to be bold, and share in the suffering for the gospel by the power of God.