Topical Encyclopedia Prisons have been a part of human civilization since ancient times, serving as places of confinement and punishment. In the biblical context, prisons are mentioned throughout the Scriptures, reflecting their existence and function in ancient societies.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, prisons were often used by rulers to detain individuals who were considered threats or who had committed offenses. One of the earliest references to imprisonment is found in the account of Joseph. After being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife, Joseph was placed in a prison in Egypt. Genesis 39:20 states, "So Joseph’s master took him and had him thrown into the prison where the king’s prisoners were confined." The use of prisons is also evident in the narrative of Jeremiah, the prophet. During the reign of King Zedekiah, Jeremiah was imprisoned for prophesying the fall of Jerusalem. Jeremiah 37:15 records, "The officials were angry with Jeremiah and had him beaten and imprisoned in the house of Jonathan the scribe, for it had been made into a prison." New Testament References In the New Testament, prisons continue to play a significant role, particularly in the context of the early Christian church. The apostles and early Christians often faced imprisonment for their faith. One notable instance is the imprisonment of Peter. Acts 12:4 describes, "When he had seized him, he put him in prison, handing him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover." The Apostle Paul also experienced imprisonment multiple times during his ministry. In Philippians 1:13 , Paul writes, "As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ." Function and Conditions Prisons in biblical times were not like modern correctional facilities. They were often dark, damp, and overcrowded, with minimal provisions for the prisoners. The primary purpose of imprisonment was not rehabilitation but rather punishment, deterrence, or holding individuals until a decision was made regarding their fate. Prisoners could be subjected to harsh treatment, as seen in the case of Paul and Silas, who were beaten and placed in stocks in the inner cell of a prison in Philippi (Acts 16:23-24). Despite the harsh conditions, the faith and resilience of imprisoned believers often led to miraculous events and the spread of the Gospel. Cultural and Legal Context The existence of prisons in biblical times reflects the legal and cultural practices of ancient societies. Imprisonment was a tool used by authorities to maintain order and control. It was also a means of exerting power over individuals who were perceived as threats to the established order, whether they were political dissidents, religious figures, or common criminals. In summary, prisons in antiquity served as places of confinement and punishment, with numerous references throughout the Bible illustrating their role in the narratives of both the Old and New Testaments. These accounts provide insight into the legal and cultural practices of ancient societies and the challenges faced by individuals who were imprisoned for their beliefs or actions. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 39:20And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Evil Resulting from the Bringing in of Novel Doctrine Shown in ... Acts XXII Psalm LX. Against "The Roaring Lions" Criticisms of the Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force on ... A Pilgrimage to Rome a Pilgrimage to Rome Prophecy. Evidences Internal and Experimental. The Abrogation of the Saybrook Platform Resources What is a Bible society? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about torture? | GotQuestions.org What is the Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Prisons used for Confining: Condemned Persons Till Executed Prisons used for Confining: Debtors Till They Paid Prisons used for Confining: Enemies Taken Captive Prisons used for Confining: Persons Accused of Crimes Prisons used for Confining: Persons Accused of Heresy Prisons used for Confining: Persons Under the King's Displeasure Prisons used for Confining: Suspected Persons Prisons were Under the Care of a Keeper Prisons: Bondage to Sin and Satan Prisons: Confinement In, Considered a Severe Punishment Prisons: Confinement In, often Awarded As a Punishment Prisons: Keepers of Often Used Severity Prisons: Keepers of Put to Death If Prisoners Escaped Prisons: Keepers of Responsible for the Prisoners Prisons: Keepers of Sometimes Acted Kindly Prisons: Keepers of Sometimes Entrusted the Care of the Prison To Prisons: Keepers of Strictly Guarded the Doors Prisons: Kinds of, Mentioned: Common Prisons: Kinds of, Mentioned: State Prisons: Magistrates had Power to Commit To Prisons: Magistrates had Power to Release From Prisons: Persons Confined in Clothed in Prison Dress Prisons: Persons Confined in Fed on Bread and Water Prisons: Persons Confined in Might Have Their Condition Ameliorated by the King Prisons: Persons Confined in Often Bound With Fetters Prisons: Persons Confined in Often Chained to Two Soldiers Prisons: Persons Confined in Often Executed In Prisons: Persons Confined in Often Fastened in Stocks Prisons: Persons Confined in Often Kept to Hard Labour Prisons: Persons Confined in Often Placed in Dungeons Prisons: Persons Confined in Often Subjected to Extreme Suffering Prisons: Persons Confined in Said to be in Hold Prisons: Persons Confined in Said to be in Ward Prisons: Persons Confined in Sometimes Allowed to be Visited by Their Friends Prisons: Places Used as Court of the King's House Prisons: Places Used as House of the Captain of the Guard Prisons: Places Used as House of the King's Scribe Prisons: Places Used as Prisoner's own House, where he Was Kept Bound to a Soldier Prisons: The King had Power to Commit To Prisons: The King had Power to Release From Related Terms |
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