prison – Three Minute Bible

May 12, 2025May 12, 2025

Philippians 1:7b – The Last Place

Picture of a prison door, with a sign in front that reads, "The Last Place" (Grok)

… whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.

Summary: Paul, writing from prison, talks about sharing in the grace of God. This leads us to wonder about what “grace” is and what it means.

Have you ever noticed that whatever you are looking for, you always find it in the last place you look? It’s funny because it is true! It is also “funny” (odd) because sometimes the last place we look is the last place we would ever think to look.

For example, whoever thought the world would be saved by someone crucified by the Romans two thousand years ago?

April 18, 2025April 18, 2025

Colossians 4:10 – Paul’s Time

My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)

Summary: This verse provides a peek at life in Paul’s day and the people around him.

At some point, after reading the Bible enough times, a person begins to see things differently. Take Aristarchus, for example.

Paul casually mentions “my fellow prisoner,” Aristarchus. Instantly, questions come to mind: Who is Aristarchus? Why is he in prison with Paul? Where is he from?

November 22, 2023November 22, 2023

Ephesians 6:23a – The Peace of God

Peace to the brothers and sisters …

Summary: When Paul says “Peace to the brothers and sisters …” he means more than just a sixties vintage hippy dippy nice saying. He is transmitting the peace of God.

November 20, 2023November 20, 2023

Ephesians 6:21 – Details

Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing.

Summary: Paul leaves certain things out of his letter that he considers unimportant but that he knows will be of interest to the Ephesians. So he sends it with someone who can answer those questions, Tychicus.

November 18, 2023November 19, 2023

Ephesians 6:19-20 – Prayer List

Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Summary: Paul asks for the church at Ephesus to pray for him in specific ways. Today, Paul is with the Lord, but we can still pray in ways that honor his request.

October 2, 2023October 2, 2023

Ephesians 6:8 – And Then He Smiled

… because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.

Summary: Recasting life in terms of a prison sentence offers us the chance to see anew what Jesus did for us and what we can do for him.

June 10, 2023June 10, 2023

Ephesians 4:1a – What Jesus Wants

As a prisoner for the Lord,

Summary: As Paul begins the fourth chapter of his letter, he reminds us that he is a prisoner “for the Lord.” To put this in perspective, it is helpful to reflect on Paul’s life and what it might have been like had he not met Jesus.