Imprisonment
Summary
Confinement as punishment or pending trial, experienced by many biblical figures including Joseph, Jeremiah, John the Baptist, and Paul.
☩Old Testament Examples
Joseph spent years in Pharaoh's prison though innocent of the charges against him. Jeremiah was confined in various prisons during Jerusalem's final siege. These imprisonments, though unjust, served God's purposes in positioning His servants for greater ministry.
☩New Testament Examples
John the Baptist was imprisoned by Herod and ultimately beheaded. The apostles were repeatedly imprisoned but miraculously delivered. Paul spent years in custody, using his confinement to write letters that became Scripture. Peter wrote of visiting those in prison as Christian duty.
☩Ministry to Prisoners
Jesus identified Himself with the imprisoned: 'I was in prison and ye came unto me.' Visiting prisoners is listed among works that characterize the righteous. The writer of Hebrews urges remembering those in bonds 'as bound with them.' Such ministry reflects Christ's compassion.
Related Verses12 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Imprisonment," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).