Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the concept of imprisonment was somewhat different from modern understandings. Prisons, often referred to as "holds" or "wards," were places where individuals were confined, typically awaiting trial or punishment. The Bible provides several instances where individuals were placed in such holds, reflecting both divine justice and human authority.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, imprisonment was not as common as other forms of punishment, such as fines, corporal punishment, or even death. However, there are notable instances where individuals were confined. One of the earliest mentions is found in the account of Joseph. After being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife, Joseph was placed in a prison, described as a "dungeon" or "hold." Genesis 39:20 states, "So Joseph’s master took him and had him thrown into the prison where the king’s prisoners were confined." Another significant mention is 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 Context In the New Testament, imprisonment becomes more prominent, especially in the context of the early Christian church. The apostles and early Christians often faced imprisonment for their faith. One of the most notable accounts is that of Peter and John, who were arrested for preaching about Jesus. Acts 4:3 states, "They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in custody until the next day." The Apostle Paul frequently encountered imprisonment during his missionary journeys. In Philippi, Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison for casting out a spirit from a slave girl. Acts 16:24 describes, "On receiving this order, he placed them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks." Symbolism and Spiritual Implications Prisons in the Bible often symbolize spiritual bondage and the trials faced by believers. The physical confinement of biblical figures often parallels spiritual struggles and the testing of faith. For instance, Joseph's time in prison was a period of testing and preparation for his future role in Egypt. Similarly, Paul's imprisonments were times of profound spiritual reflection and writing, resulting in several epistles that continue to guide and encourage Christians today. Divine Deliverance The Bible also emphasizes God's power to deliver His people from physical and spiritual imprisonment. The miraculous release of Peter from prison, as described in Acts 12:7 , where an angel of the Lord frees him, serves as a testament to divine intervention. "Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him, saying, 'Get up quickly!' And the chains fell off his wrists." Conclusion Throughout Scripture, prisons and holds serve as both literal and metaphorical places of confinement. They highlight the trials faced by God's people and the ultimate deliverance and freedom found in faith. The accounts of those confined in biblical prisons continue to inspire believers to trust in God's sovereignty and deliverance, regardless of their circumstances. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 4:3And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold to the next day: for it was now eventide. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library From Gallienus to the End of the Last Persecution (Ad 261-313) The Gospel Cordial Calvin -- Enduring Persecution for Christ The Society of Friends, or Quakers. The Abrogation of the Saybrook Platform Letter Li. From Epiphanius, Bishop of Salamis, in Cyprus, to John ... Ephesians iv. 1, 2 How a Man's Conduct Comes Home to Him The Persecutions of the Church. Coornhert and the Collegiants --A Movement for Spiritual Religion ... 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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