So, what would you want more than anything else if you were in prison? I know what I would want – to get out! That would be at the very top of my prayer and wish list. The apostle Paul was in prison on more than one occasion (see 2 Corinthians 11:23b). He apparently wrote the letters of Ephesians and Colossians while in prison, describing his himself as “the prisoner of the Lord” Eph.4:1 * Col.4:10a) and “in chains” (Eph.6:20 *Colossians 4:3, 18). In both those books, Paul asked Christians to put him on their prayer lists. But his requests may surprise you. It almost goes without saying he wanted to be out of prison, but that’s not what he asked others to pray for. He asked not that the doors of prison be opened, but that his mouth be opened to boldly preach the gospel with courage, likely, according to many scholars, before an imperial court and the wicked Roman Emperor Nero! He requested not that he himself be set free, but that the Gospel might spread freely and without hindrance. Check it out for yourself in Ephesians 6:18-20 and Colossians 4:2-4. Paul’s wish list reveals much about his deep faith in God and his Christ-like character and kingdom of God values and priorities. He knew people were lost without Christ, even the most powerful people. He unashamedly and with zero doubt or reservation believed the Gospel of Christ could save people from sin and transform their lives and souls (Romans 1:16)! And more than anything else he wanted them to hear about Christ!
Another passage that tells much about Paul’s great heart and soul is 2 Timothy 4:10-13. Apparently this time from death row (see 4:6-8), he makes this request from his preaching protégé Timothy – “Be diligent to come to me quickly, for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica—Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry. And Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments.” It can reasonably be inferred from these words Paul is lonely. He yearns to see his younger son and frequent companion in missionary work, Timothy, one more time before he faces execution. In verse 21 he urges Timothy again, “Do your utmost to come before winter.” But Paul’s wish list is not only to see Timothy. In verse 13 he desires “the cloak” (read “coat”) that he inexplicably left with a brother named Carpus at Troas. The prison cell was cold, and Paul wanted something to keep him warm. But he also wanted something for his soul! He goes on – “bring … the books, but especially the parchments.” It is uncertain what the “books” were. Some think they may have been early copies of the gospel accounts. Then Paul adds extra emphasis – “especially the parchments.” It seems highly likely these would have been copies of the Old Testament Hebrew Scriptures. Barclay writes, “It was the word of Jesus and the word of God that Paul wanted most of all, when he lay in prison awaiting death” (William Barclay, Letters To Timothy, Titus, and Philemon, p 219). Paul wanted his “last meal” to be God’s Word!
So, as we close, what’s on your wish list? What do you want more than anything else? It’s okay to have a wish list of material things. But the wish list of a genuine disciple of Jesus will always reflect a burning desire for the Word of God and the character and priorities of Jesus Himself. Are you listening?
By: Dan Gulley, Smithville TN