1. Paul was incarcerated but he was not incapacitated! (Phil. 4:22) – “All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household.”

Paul overcame his obstacles and turned them into opportunities. That is, he was able to WITNESS the love of Jesus Christ to some of the household of Caesar. No doubt that included soldiers, politicians, and others listed in Romans chapter sixteen. He clearly understood that God’s providential hand was leading in that opportunity. He wrote explaining that very thing: “But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel.” (Phil. 1:12)

Take a moment to ponder where our Lord is opening doors of opportunity for you. Will you walk through them? Instead of “whining,” how about “shining”?

Others were walking free but shackled in bondage until they met Jesus Christ, Who set them free!

“I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me.” (Philemon 1:10–11)

Do you know where Onesimus met Paul? It was in Rome, while he was confined in prison—but really free as a bird! By the way, Onesimus was really the one in chains—chains which were attached to the deadly disease called sin, which leads to eternal death (Rom. 6:23). You see, he had done his master (boss), Philemon, wrongly. Perhaps he stole from him—we are not exactly sure what he did—but nevertheless, he was weighed down with guilt and condemnation, needing relief.

Can you relate? That is when he and Paul crossed paths and he experienced a glorious conversion to Jesus Christ. Afterwards, and upon Paul’s mediating, he made restitution with Philemon. What a radical transformation took place! God was glorified!