“An Ambassador In Chains“
[By Peter Russom]

 In our service to God, we aim to please Him and glorify His name. There are many different facets to our work. A portion of our teaching and evangelism is public in nature and some of our work may take place in a more private setting. In reading the letters written by the apostle Paul, we can see the variety of places where he did his work for God. We learn that regardless of his circumstance, even when in prison, Paul would write or speak about Jesus. His level of dedication and effort is a great example for us today. Paul kept himself informed and in communication with the churches in these different locations. His genuine care for the spiritual health of individual Christians and congregations is evident.

“Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches” (2 Corinthians 11:28, NASB).

His letters include exhortations, warnings, commands, and statements which, in turn, affirm his love and care for the brethren. Paul’s tireless effort, effectiveness, and productivity encourages us to do our work for the Lord with greater diligence. We can clearly see Paul’s relationship with the recipients of his letters by the way he addressed his sisters and brothers in Christ. Paul often refers to those who received his letters as “saints and faithful brethren” (Colossians 1:2, NASB), “beloved brethren” (1 Thessalonians 1:4, NASB), or those “beloved by God, called to be saints” (Romans 1:7, NASB). His word choices are specific, direct, and sincere. In some of his communication, such as in the letter to the churches in Galatia, Paul addresses his concerns right away. His message concerning how they were “so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel” (Galatians 1:6, NASB) is very urgent.

We see a different approach in his letter to the Philippians where his initial comments commend the brethren “for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now” (Philippians 1:5, NASB). Alert and informed, Paul was willing to admonish, encourage, or commend the brethren of these individual congregations. At the same time, Paul’s exhortation to adhere and follow the truth which they had been taught is very consistent. His correspondence with brethren was a very prominent feature of his work. Surely, we can ask ourselves if we are continuing to follow this facet of Paul’s work. It is good for us to see and be reminded of Paul’s selfless attitude and genuine interest in the lives of Christians.

Paul’s emphasis on prayer restates his concern for individual people as well as entire congregations. Those who read these words from Paul were likely encouraged to know that he was continually thinking of them. Paul was thankful for how those in Christ in unique places with specific circumstances shared in the work of teaching and upholding the gospel.

“I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus” (1 Corinthians 1:4, NASB).

“I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers” (Ephesians 1:16, NASB).

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy” (Philippians 1:3-4, NASB).

We should continue to pray for each other and for the spiritual strength of our congregation. We can also communicate with and pray for churches throughout the world. This article is by no means an exhaustive study, so I encourage all of us to study and apply Paul’s letters from this vantage point even more.