It is surmised that his accusers from Judea never showed up to press their case, so the charges were dropped. Second, by studying the final letters of Paul — 1 Timothy, Titus, and 2 Timothy — we are able to conclude that the apostle was released from that initial Roman confinement. Subsequently, he was able to further evangelize the antique world of the empire. Third, why would Luke, so fastidious for details, deliberately omit virtually the whole of this obviously exciting two-year period by concluding the Acts narrative so suddenly?
Various theories have been proposed by commentators, none of which really satisfies all the facts. Ultimately, the answer has to be: Luke was not writing under the impulses of a natural reporter. The superintending guidance of the Holy Spirit restrained the historical account to the divine purpose.
As students of the Bible, we must understand that biblical history is selective. It is designed to trace only the course of events essential to the balanced revelation of redemptive matters. In the composition of the Bible, Heaven was unconcerned about catering to our curiosity. This selective silence of the Scriptures" is one of the subtle, though profound, pieces of evidence for the divine origin of the Book of Books.
For example, it is generally conceded that during this time-frame the apostle penned four epistles: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon, though not necessarily in this sequence. While it is true that Paul was granted some rather unusual liberties, as mentioned earlier see Acts , , nonetheless, he was still a prisoner.
This circumstance in itself imposes considerable stress. Chains were commonly viewed as an object of shame cf.
Second, there is another factor that doubtless was a source of considerable grief to this rugged soldier of Jesus.
It is reflected even in a letter known for its joyful tone the Philippian epistle. It was a spiritual wound more devastating than any physical injury. As Paul began his work in the seven-hilled city, he attracted considerable attention and his influence was staggering.
The praetorian guard was a body of ten thousand specially selected soldiers in Rome. They had unusual privileges e. The gospel had penetrated deep into the heart of this metropolis. What thrilling times these must have been. But there were disappointments as well. Unfortunately, some members of the Roman congregation apparently did not like the notoriety Paul had generated.
They were characterized by envy — a feeling of displeasure caused by the success of Paul. They were insincere and pretentious. But what was their goal? It is not difficult to imagine a scenario. He is the most prominent leader of our movement.
Surely the weary apostle spent sleepless nights praying for the regeneration of their evil hearts. In spite of all this heartache, however, Paul could still muster a generally jubilant spirit.
As unpleasant as his circumstances sometimes were, he could affirm that the things which had happened to him had worked for the progress of the gospel Phil. Paul views his troubles in the most positive light possible. They were like an advance party, preparing the way for the success of the gospel. A consideration of the record in Acts, together with references from the four epistles mentioned above, reveals a great deal about certain persons with whom Paul had contact during this initial Roman confinement.
Sometimes a few words or phrases speak volumes. Though Luke is not mentioned by name in the book of Acts, his association with Paul can be established by a detailed argument showing that he is the author of the narrative. By the use of first person pronouns in the historical record, his movements may be traced cf. Acts ; ; Luke was a Greek physician Col. As a premier historian, he documented the labors of the great apostle to the Gentiles. Luke also sent his greetings in the letters Paul wrote to the Colossians Col.
Aristarchus was a Jewish convert from Thessalonica Acts ; Col. In Ephesus, he was ruffed up by an unruly crowd Acts Timothy was probably closer to Paul than any other person on earth. On several occasions, he is warmly commended by the great apostle 1 Cor. A native of Lystra, we can infer that he was converted by Paul when the apostle first visited that city cf.
Paul selected him to be a traveling companion when the apostle passed back through the region on his second missionary campaign Acts ff. In spite of the fact that apparently, he had a less-than-aggressive personality cf. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. Right after this, Paul encourages the Philippians that God will bless them for their troubles.
After bringing Paul the gift from the church, Epaphroditus became very ill—Paul says he almost died Philippians —but then he recovered. Epaphroditus was anxious to let them know that he was better.
Paul writes the letter to confirm that what the Philippians heard was true—Epaphroditus was sick—but also to assure them that their friend had recovered and would return to them soon. Paul met the Philippians on his second missionary journey, which we read about in Acts From the time he arrived in Philippi, Paul saw the members of this church as partners in his ministry.
So another reason why Paul writes this letter is to maintain his relationship with this newly established church. Paul is either writing from a prison cell, or while under house arrest in Rome Philippians Learn more in Lynn H.
When I can put myself into the Bible setting along with the real people and walk in their sandals and share their personal appreciation for the Gospel and the man who told them about Jesus, I am awed.
There are differences in the way Rome did things that affect our understanding of what happened to Paul. Rome did not have prosecutors for its population. If someone made a complaint against another person, even if it was a criminal complaint, they would need to hire their own lawyer and the defendant would also hire their own lawyer.
Rome supplied the Judge. Upon a charge being filed the accuser had about 18 months to develop their case. It was often the case that someone could abuse this right and just accuse someone to get them arrested and then never follow through.
I suspect this is what happened to Paul during the time he was under house arrest. He was just finally released a bit after the time expired.
Hey, Donald! I was hoping to locate the depth of the condition of the prison. Was there a sewer attached to it? Was mold on the walls? Was it freezing in winter and scorching hot in summer without blankets?
Was he alone? With others? That type of info. Thanks for the post though. Also, just a quick mention, they did use olive oil lamps. Where men and woman imprisoned together or were they separated into different cells.
What was Roman thought at the time. Is there a way I could find out? The Prison system before was ridiculous. Male and female prisoners were sometimes incarcerated together, which led to sexual immorality and abuse.
God bless us all! Kingdom Mindset: Philippians October 20, The Sons of Sceva: Christian Magic? October 11, Jesus is the Key to Effective Ministry September 13, David hardy 3 years ago. Maria 3 years ago. Mataio Ulu 8 months ago. Monty Galloway 8 months ago.
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