Paul tells the Ephesian church, while writing from prison in Rome, that he is an ambassador in chains. Paul has been chained up as a result of the Jewish leaders’ accusations, while never having been shown to have done anything wrong. Yet even while he is a prisoner, many people are coming to know Christ, and Paul is continuing to write to the churches that he founded, one of these being the church in Ephesus.
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.
Ephesians 6:19-20
From his writings, Paul seems singularly focused. He doesn’t seem to be stopped, nor even slowed, by the fact that he is in chains or in prison. Instead, he continues to serve his human masters, the Roman soldiers, as if he is serving Christ, and for this he is granted the opportunity to speak freely to the people there in Rome.
But what is even more, Paul continues to serve his heavenly master, Jesus Christ, despite the fact that he is in jail precisely because of his relationship with him and work for him. There isn’t a doubt in Paul’s mind. He is headed toward eternity with Christ and the rest of his life is to be devoted to him. Paul is looking beyond his present circumstances to the eternal reward of living with Christ forever, seeking to bring along with him as many people as possible.