Paul Imprisoned and Taken to Rome

Paul’s imprisonment in Jerusalem and journey to Rome (Acts 21–28)

When Paul arrived in Jerusalem after this third journey he was arrested in the Temple by the Jewish religious leaders, and later taken into custody by the Romans. He was imprisoned first in Jerusalem and then in Caesarea and later, when he appealed to Caesar’s tribunal, he was sent to Rome. His journey was very perilous but finally he reached Rome safely and spent two years there in prison. Though in chains, he was able to write or dictate letters which were of great benefit to the early communities of believers, as well as to us today.

The Power Which Motivated Paul

In looking at the places Paul visited as he travelled throughout the Empire and on his final journey to Rome, we see that he, above all others, was the one responsible for the spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles.

In some of his writings we catch a glimpse of that power which motivated him to commit himself to such an arduous mission. He said in the epistle to the Romans: “So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:15–16).

Again he wrote: “We have the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak.” (2 Corinthians 4:13)

Paul believed that the Gospel message was the only hope for mankind. He believed it so intensely he was compelled to “speak” of it to everyone he met.

He certainly has left us a worthy example to follow. If we really do believe the Gospel, then we will not only obey it in baptism and walk faithfully before God, but we will feel compelled to speak of it to others that they too may share the great hope of salvation.

The Other Letters of the New Testament

As we have mentioned, many of the letters that are found in the New Testament were written by Paul to the ecclesias of believers. Paul also wrote personal letters to some of those who had laboured with him in the work, such as Timothy, Titus and Philemon. Though no specific writer is named, the letter to the Hebrews is also attributed by many scholars to Paul.

Other disciples also wrote letters which have been included in the New Testament. These are the letters of James, Peter, John and Jude.

These letters not only help us to understand what is necessary for our salvation but also provide guidance for disciples that they may glorify God in their daily life.

Adapted from “The Exploring the Bible Course” by David Evans