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Saint Peter Released from PrisonJacopo di Cione · 1370–00

Prisoners

/PRIZ-un-erz/

Summary

Scripture records many notable prisoners and establishes principles for their treatment, while using imprisonment as a metaphor for spiritual bondage.

Notable Biblical Prisoners

Joseph was imprisoned in Egypt on false charges. Samson was bound and imprisoned by the Philistines. Jeremiah was thrown into a cistern. John the Baptist was imprisoned by Herod. Peter and John were jailed for preaching. Paul and Silas sang hymns in prison at Philippi. Paul spent years imprisoned, writing several epistles from confinement.

Key verses:Genesis 39:20Judges 16:21Jeremiah 38:6Matthew 14:3Acts 4:3Acts 16:23-25

Treatment of Prisoners

The Hebrew midwives' refusal to kill infants suggests ethical limits to obedience. Joseph cared for prisoners. Jesus declared that visiting prisoners was serving Him. The author of Hebrews exhorts believers to remember prisoners as if bound with them. Paul commends Onesiphorus for not being ashamed of his chains.

Key verses:Matthew 25:36Hebrews 13:32 Timothy 1:16

Related Verses100 mentions

Acts· 30 verses

Jeremiah· 10 verses

Genesis· 7 verses

Matthew· 7 verses

References

  1. 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Prisoners," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VIII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).