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Paul writing in prison

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2 Timothy 2:9

…’for which I am suffering, lbound with chains as a criminal. But mthe word of God is not bound!’
2 Timothy 2 verse 9.

Full bible text

2 Timothy 4 verses 6 to 8
6 ‘For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.’

About this painting

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Saul, the later apostle Paul, was born a Jew in Tarsus, probably around 3 AD. He held Roman citizenship. He was raised as a Pharisee in Jerusalem, at the feet of the famous teacher of Jewish law Gamaliel. He was a fierce persecutor of the early Christian church, until Jesus revealed Himself to him on the road to Damascus. Then, instead of being a persecutor, Paul became a follower of Jesus.
Paul was chosen by the Lord to preach the gospel primarily among the Gentiles (non-Jews).

"Go, for he is a chosen instrument for me to bear my name before the Gentiles and kings and the Israelites.
For I will show him how much he must suffer for my name."
Acts 9:15-16.

Paul made three major missionary journeys and wrote numerous letters to Christian churches and to individuals.
Of the 21 letters in the New Testament, 13 were written by Paul.
He wrote several of these while imprisoned, including 2 Timothy.
It is assumed that he wrote 2 Timothy shortly before his martyrdom in Rome, probably in Mamertine Prison.
The dungeon where he was supposedly held still exists. It is depicted in the painting. Tradition states that Paul was killed by beheading.
In 2 Timothy 4:6, he writes:
"For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand." His impending death is symbolized in the painting by the Roman sword.

In this final letter, Paul wants to encourage and equip the young fellow believer Timothy from prison. He urges him to be faithful and to persevere in trials, admonishes him to stand firm in the power of the gospel, and to expose false teachers.

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