The earlier passages (verse 19) showed how prayer would bring what Paul called his "salvation". The famous verse 21 shows that indeed that to live is Christ; and die is gain. Paul's entire life was centered not on his physical imprisonment and suffering but the state of the churches he had founded as well as focusing on evangelical opportunities during his confinement and the hubbub of those outside where even those against him still in their own way continued to spread the Gospel.
25And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;
26That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.
As stated from verse 19 Paul's salvation mentioned is clearly a physical one; and that he expected fruit from the prayers. It is noteworthy in Paul's imprisonment along with many previous saints that much latitude was given for him to give wisdom to the guards (as we see with the shipwreck in Acts); and to be able to frequently have others meet and pick up his writings. We see similar accounts with Daniel in the O.T. and of course Joseph when unfairly jailed in Egypt. Certainly different situations occurred in different places. As we see today; a pattern exists where jailing usually begins with a day or two as was experienced by the Apostles early on in the book of Acts; then more lengthy imprisonment and eventual martyrdom in many cases. We don't see either Peter or Paul dying from natural causes but that would be expected in most cases. He knew He would be there in this case for their benefit and no doubt other churches; by 2 Timothy 4:6 he knew his time was at hand.
Sadly he would see many abandon him and he warned once again about Apostacy to come which began in his final sayings to the Ephesians of deception to come there in Acts 20 starting in verse 13. In short; our victory may in the end leave us isolated; few run to the end to recieve the trophy.
25And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;
26That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.
As stated from verse 19 Paul's salvation mentioned is clearly a physical one; and that he expected fruit from the prayers. It is noteworthy in Paul's imprisonment along with many previous saints that much latitude was given for him to give wisdom to the guards (as we see with the shipwreck in Acts); and to be able to frequently have others meet and pick up his writings. We see similar accounts with Daniel in the O.T. and of course Joseph when unfairly jailed in Egypt. Certainly different situations occurred in different places. As we see today; a pattern exists where jailing usually begins with a day or two as was experienced by the Apostles early on in the book of Acts; then more lengthy imprisonment and eventual martyrdom in many cases. We don't see either Peter or Paul dying from natural causes but that would be expected in most cases. He knew He would be there in this case for their benefit and no doubt other churches; by 2 Timothy 4:6 he knew his time was at hand.
Sadly he would see many abandon him and he warned once again about Apostacy to come which began in his final sayings to the Ephesians of deception to come there in Acts 20 starting in verse 13. In short; our victory may in the end leave us isolated; few run to the end to recieve the trophy.
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