Paul really liked talking about freedom. Maybe that's because he spent so much time in prison, so he had a pretty unique perspective on what it meant to be live out in the world, unshackled. For Paul, faith in Jesus could make anyone free. But worrying about following Jewish law or what's happening in the world was the quickest path to slavery. Physical circumstances—like being a slave or in prison—didn't matter as much to him. We're all free in our hearts.
Sure. Tell that to the guys in Shawshank.
Questions About Freedom and Confinement
- Is it ironic that Paul writes so much about freedom while he's behind bars? Or is what he writes fitting given his experience?
- First Paul says we shouldn't be slaves. Then he decides that the idea of slavery isn't so bad. Are these two thoughts in conflict or are they complementary?