Imagine that your world would be turned upside down unexpectedly.

Someone would make false accusations against you, leading to your arrest and imprisonment for over two years while you defended yourself. During that time you would be under house arrest and others would decide where you would stay.

No doubt that would be a burden for anyone!

That is what happened to the apostle Paul. The last chapters of the book of Acts describe the more than two years in his life when he was not a free man.

Such circumstances would have some people asking questions like, "Why me? What did I do to deserve this? Why is God doing this to me?"

Of course, we don’t know if Paul had thoughts like that from time to time. What we do know is that he made use of these two years to continue his work for the gospel and the care of the brethren, as he was able to do so.

Did you know that Paul wrote four of his letters during the time he was a prisoner in Rome? They are the "prison epistles" – Colossians, Ephesians, Philippians and Philemon. The three letters to churches in Asia Minor are filled with important instruction on basic Christian living and encouragement – especially Philippians. The letter to Philemon is a masterpiece of diplomacy and shows us how Paul as an apostle acted toward a member of the church: by making a polite request.

Just 3 days after his arrival in Rome, Paul was already about the business of preaching the gospel (Acts 28:17-23). Even those in Caesar’s immediate service knew about his faith, and Paul’s example strengthened other Christians to be strong witnesses for Christ:

"I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear" (Philippians 1:12-14).

Paul’s experience shows us that in every situation there is an opportunity to be found for serving God.

With these thoughts I wish us all a rewarding Sabbath!