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In the midst of Global Lockdown…what can we do? What if this Lockdown were to continue for up to 2 years?

Some have found themselves Under House Arrest during this Corona Virus with government messages warning us to ‘Stay Home’

It’s all very reminiscent of the Will Smith film; I,Robot where the citizens, including his grandma, are locked in their homes guarded by an iRobot who watches their every move. Track&Trace has become an actual thing!

This has all been going on now for at least 4 months (at time of writing), but what if Lockdown Restrictions went on for a total 2 years!

The Apostle Paul found himself in this very situation in the city of Rome! He was permitted his own private apartment but was guarded 24-7 by a soldier for 2 years under lock and key!

However, whilst Paul was under house arrest in Rome (AD 61-63), his next 2 years were surprisingly productive/fruitful…

Here’s what Paul did whilst he was in lockdown…

GATHERS PEOPLE IN HIS HOME

Just 3 days after arriving in Rome under house arrest, Paul called together the local leaders (Acts 28:17)! He didn’t waste much time did he? When they arrive he;

–Tells his story (Acts 28:17-19)

–Tells them his purpose in gathering them together (Acts 28:20).”I asked you to come here today so that we could get acquainted and to tell you the reason I’m under house arrest -‘because I believe the Messiah has already come”‘

Their response;

-We’ve not had any letters or reports against you

-We want to hear what you believe

-The only thing we know about this movement is that it is denounced everywhere

So they set a date and on another day a large number of people came to Paul’s rented apartment where he;

–Explained and testified about the Kingdom of God

–Tried to persuade them about Jesus from the scriptures (he spoke to them from morning until evening)

As a result

-Some were persuaded by what he said, but others didn’t believe

-They argued back and forth amongst themselves

-Paul’s final word- ‘OK, I thought I’d tell you first, but, this salvation will now be offered to other outsiders and they will accept it’

So, for the next 2 years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense, in his own rented apartment and during that time he;

–Welcomed all who visited him

–Boldly proclaimed the Kingdom of God

–Taught everyone who visited him about the Lord Jesus Christ

And no-one tried to stop him!

This brings new meaning to the phrase; ‘Stay Home, Save Lives’

MENTORS AND SENDS OUT LEADERS

Paul also had some co-workers with him whilst under lockdown! These included Aristarchus who was with him in prison, Epaphras, who regularly prays for the churches in the cities of Colosse, Laodicea and Hierapolis, and Justus, a co-worker working with Paul in Rome for the Kingdom of God. They’ve all been a great comfort to him! (Colossians 4:11). He also has Mark, Demas and Luke with him

Paul hopes to send Timothy to the church in Philippi with Epaphraditus (Philippians 2:19-30), Onesimus and Tychicus to Colosse and Ephesus. Tychicus is a brother and faithful helper in the Lords work, who Paul hopes will encourage the disciples in Colosse and bring the churches there up to date with a full report of how Paul is doing and how he is getting along

WRITES BOOKS & INSTRUCTS CHURCHES

And, although bound with a chain and in the company of a prison officer, Paul also manages to writes 4 books during his time of lockdown, which he sends out to churches scattered across central Asia via his co-workers to the

Ephesians

Colossians

Philippians

Philemon

Through these books [letters], Paul instructs the churches to ‘keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me- everything you heard from me and saw me doing. […] Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away it’s even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear’

Writing of his own experience of lockdown, Paul says this;

‘I want you to know that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. Everyone here, including the whole Palace Guard (4,500 men) know that I’m in chains because of Christ. And because of my imprisonment, most believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear. It’s true, some preach out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives […] but that don’t matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being spread either way, so I rejoice.’ [Philippians 1:12-19]

Whilst Paul was under house arrest, the gospel even spread throughout the palace and amongst those who were actually keeping him in lockdown! (see Philippians 4:21-22)

If God could accomplish all that through the Apostle Paul whilst he was in lockdown…what’s stopping you from being fruitful and productive in all that God has for you regarding your purpose in life?

[How could Paul have achieved so much in 2 years? See my last post The Caterpillar & The Butterfly: The Possibility of Transformation through Lockdown]

or you may want to read my article on how to Find Persons of Peace during Corona