Factoid: There are currently 2 million people incarcerated in the USA (in jails and prisons, wanting freedom). No other nation on earth incarcerates more people than the USA, either in total numbers or per capita.
I don't know the reasons for them being there.
Me thinks many nations, like in the EU and Nigeria, should do better with their arrests (where countless Christians and others are being killed by Muslims. So SO much murder and rapes etc there in these places) need to do much better. America needs to do better too, that's why they're hiring. In 2022, the total number of people in state or federal prisons was over 1.2 million. The United States has 5% of the world's population but accounts for about 25% of the world's incarcerated people.
Factoid: By last October 2025, there've been 9,000 rapes covered up in England. Corrupt politicians need to be held accountable in every Land! I don't think I've seen a nation slide downwards faster. Over 12,000 people were arrested in Great Britain this same year for saying something (posting) in Social Media. Be salt and light anyway -- tell the truth in love.
Paul and Silas got stuck in jail for no wrongdoing of their own. It was because they were out faithfully ministering the word together on the second missionary journey (Acts 15–18).
British people are going to jail today for simply speaking the truth on Social Media.
Paul and Silas didn't tweet on X or post on Facebook. They found themselves in prison, though they had committed zero crimes. Their only offense was faithfulness—faithfulness to the call of God to proclaim the gospel on their second missionary journey (Acts 15–18).
Paul and Silas were first mentioned working together after the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15, as both men were part of that group that took the council’s collective decision back to Syrian Antioch (verse 22). Silas was called a “prophet” who “said much to encourage and strengthen the believers” in Antioch (verse 32). After Paul and Barnabas disagreed in an area and parted ways, Paul chose Silas as a traveling companion, and they took off for Syria and Cilicia, where they ministered the Word to the churches there (Acts 15:41).
After that, Paul and Silas took off for Derbe and Lystra, where they connected with and picked up another companion, Timothy (Acts 16:1–3).
Following a journey through Asia Minor, the Holy Spirit led Paul and Silas into Macedonia to witness with the Word (verses 6–10). During the missionaries’ time in Philippi, people were saved by Jesus. A local church was started and established, but Satan opposed their work. He hates this type of work in the name of Jesus.
Paul and Silas were arrested, beaten, and put in prison for their bold, clear preaching of the Gospel (Acts 16:16–24). While in prison, Paul and Silas sat with their feet in stocks singing hymns. yes, worshipping with songs of truth unto Jesus. They had the time and passionate hearts to do so.
At midnight, an earthquake broke open the prison doors, setting the prisoners free. The jailer then feared greatly that his superiors would blame him for the jail break (as often happened), and he prepared to run himself through with his sword rather than face their punishment. Not a good decision at all, so Paul and Silas convinced him not to harm himself. They preached the gospel to him, and he was saved by the Lord, along with his entire household that night (Acts 16:25–34). God was indeed glorified.
Qs: What percentage of people living in America have been incarcerated in jail or prison (deservingly or undeservingly)? What percentage of people living in the USA were citizens and non-citizens? Good questions! According to the most up-to-date, available recent data:
Incarceration / Arrests
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About 14 % of U.S. adults say they've ever been held in jail or prison for one night or longer. KFF
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About 0.7 % of the total U.S. population (roughly 1 in 100) was behind bars (in jail or prison) at a given time.
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In terms of lifetime, “have served time in state and federal prison” (not just jail stays) one study found about 3.8 % of a specific adult age cohort in 2001 had experienced imprisonment. Thomas P. Bonczar, Bureau Of Justice Statistics
Here's some Stats - Citizenship & Non-citizen
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As of 2023, the foreign-born (i.e., those not U.S. citizens at birth) numbered about 47.8 million, representing ~ 14.3% of the U.S. population.
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Of that foreign-born population, about 52% (~25 million) are naturalized U.S. citizens. Congress.gov
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A study of a healthcare-survey sample found among U.S. adults ~81.9% were U.S.-born citizens, ~10.1% naturalized citizens, and ~8.0% non-citizens. PMC
Arrest / Criminal Record / Incarceration
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The arrest rate in 2023 was about 2,232 arrests per 100,000 people (~2.23%) for all offenses.
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One source reports “over 80 million American adults” (~1 in 3) have a criminal record (arrest or conviction) and “around 10% of them (8 million) have been imprisoned at least once in their lifetime.”
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From the official FBI tables: in 2013, adults (18+) made up ~90% of all individuals arrested. UCR
What's the takeaway?:
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Roughly 14% of the U.S. population are foreign-born (with about half of those naturalized).
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A non-trivial percentage of adults have been arrested or convicted (some sources say ~1 in 3), though exact reliable lifetime incarceration figures are harder to pin.
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The arrest rate annually (~2.2%) gives a sense of new arrests per population per year, not lifetime risk.
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Lost people and some saved people are behind bars.
You already know how so many people behind bars claim to be innocent when they are not. Factually, there are only two kinds of people behind bars: those who are guilty of breaking the law and rightly facing punishment, and those who are truly innocent, ensnared by the injustice of human systems.
Many Christians around the world have gone to jail for their faith (no sin at all), and others deservingly have gone to prison for their own wrongdoings (many consequences don't disappear, so such unbelievers and believers can properly learn to fear and obey God).
Scripture speaks to both the guilty and the innocent. To the guilty, it offers the path of truth, repentance, and submission to lawful authority, alongside the promise of freedom from the prison of sin through Christ (Romans 6:18). To the innocent, it offers patience, peace, and hope—hope that is anchored not in earthly vindication but in the eternal reward of God’s justice.
God has established governments to maintain order and protect society. The Bible reminds us that breaking the law carries consequences (Romans 13:1–4), and that obedience to authorities is “good” (Titus 3:1). We are not to commit sin or crime (1 Peter 4:15). Yet, there are times when obedience to God itself brings conflict with human authority. Paul and the apostles faced imprisonment for preaching the gospel. When God’s Word is treated as a crime, Christians are called to continue in faithfulness, even if it leads to prison (Acts 5:29).
History and Scripture are full of examples of the innocent suffering unjustly. Joseph was falsely accused of a terrible crime and thrown into prison (Genesis 39:6–20). Yet even in chains, “the Lord was with him” (v. 21). John the Baptist was confined and eventually executed because he spoke truth to power (Mark 6:17–18; Luke 7:22). Their stories remind us that injustice is not avoided by the righteous; suffering is often part of walking faithfully in an unjust world (Matthew 5:10–12; 1 Peter 4:12–13; James 1:2). And yet, spiritual freedom remains possible, even within prison walls: “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17).
Paul’s own imprisonments offer profound examples. His letters to Ephesus, Philippi, Colossae, and Philemon—the so-called prison epistles—were written during his Roman captivity (Acts 28:16, 30–31; Philippians 4:22). From his cell, Paul shepherded churches he had founded or known, offering doctrinal clarity, pastoral guidance, and heartfelt encouragement. Colossians combats heresy and instructs believers in Christ-centered living (Colossians 1:15–20; 2:2–10; 3), Ephesians illuminates the riches of God’s grace and the practical outworking of faith (Ephesians 1–6), and Philippians radiates joy, urging believers to rejoice even in suffering (Philippians 1:4,18,25; 2:2; 4:1,4,10).
Even in his personal relationships, Paul’s letters reflect God’s heart for reconciliation and forgiveness. Philemon illustrates the transformative power of the gospel: a runaway slave, Onesimus, is welcomed back not merely as a servant, but as a beloved brother in Christ (Philemon 1:10–11). Here, the chains of slavery are broken by the greater chains of Christ’s love and gospel truth.
Though Paul was physically imprisoned, his captivity was first and foremost for Christ (Philemon 1:9; Ephesians 3:1; Colossians 4:18; Philippians 1:12–14). His confinement became a vessel for spreading the gospel in Rome, the heart of the Gentile world. The Lord encouraged him: “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome” (Acts 23:11). His experience reminds us that God can turn even the hardest circumstances into instruments of eternal purpose.
The message for believers today is clear: whether in chains or walking freely, whether guilty or wronged, our ultimate liberation lies in Christ. The world may impose injustice, but God’s Spirit cannot be confined. In every cell, every courtroom, every struggle, we are free to live in obedience, hope, and joy. As John Bunyan wrote in Pilgrim’s Progress, “He who has God and everything else has no more than he who has God alone.”
1. Lawlessness and Sin
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1 John 3:4 – “Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.”
→ Sin is the root crime against God’s moral law. -
Matthew 24:12 – “Because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.”
→ When sin multiplies, compassion dies; society chills spiritually. -
2 Thessalonians 2:7–8 – “The mystery of lawlessness is already at work…”
→ Lawlessness prepares the way for the Antichrist spirit. -
Proverbs 28:9 – “If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.”
→ Ignoring God’s commands corrupts worship itself. -
Romans 6:19 – “You presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness.”
→ Sin snowballs when unchecked by repentance.
2. Crime and Human Injustice
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Exodus 20:13–15 – “You shall not murder… you shall not steal.”
→ God’s moral order begins with respect for life and property. -
Proverbs 6:16–19 – Lists the seven abominations the Lord hates—chiefly “hands that shed innocent blood.”
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Romans 13:3–4 – “Rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad… for he does not bear the sword in vain.”
→ Civil authority exists to restrain evil and uphold justice. -
Ecclesiastes 8:11 – “When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, people’s hearts are filled with schemes to do wrong.”
→ Delayed justice invites further evil. -
Isaiah 5:20 – “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil…”
→ Cultural confusion of morality breeds lawlessness.
3. Corrupt and Unjust Rulers
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Proverbs 29:2 – “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.”
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Isaiah 1:23 – “Your rulers are rebels, companions of thieves; everyone loves a bribe.”
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Micah 3:11 – “Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for pay, and her prophets tell fortunes for money.”
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Ecclesiastes 5:8 – “If you see the poor oppressed and justice denied, do not be surprised; one official is eyed by a higher one.”
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Habakkuk 1:4 – “The law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous.”
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Psalm 82:2–4 – “How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked? Defend the weak and the fatherless.”
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Jeremiah 22:13, 17 – “Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness… but your eyes and your heart are only on your dishonest gain.”
4. God’s Judgment on Lawlessness
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Nahum 1:3 – “The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; He will not leave the guilty unpunished.”
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Psalm 37:9 – “Evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait on the Lord shall inherit the land.”
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Romans 1:18 – “The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men.”
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Proverbs 11:21 – “Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not go unpunished.”
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Isaiah 33:22 – “The Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; He will save us.”
5. Justice, Mercy, and Righteous Rule
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Micah 6:8 – “He has shown you, O man, what is good: to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
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Psalm 89:14 – “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; mercy and truth go before You.”
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Isaiah 58:6–7 – True fasting is to loose injustice, free the oppressed, and feed the hungry.
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Amos 5:24 – “Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
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Proverbs 21:3 – “To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”
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Zechariah 7:9–10 – “Execute true justice, show mercy and compassion… do not oppress the widow or the foreigner.”
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Matthew 23:23 – “You neglect the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness.”
6. The Righteous Response of Believers
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Matthew 5:14–16 – “You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others.” (always see whole contect of verses)
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Romans 12:21 – “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
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1 Peter 2:13–17 – “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority… honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God.”
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Titus 2:11–14 – Grace teaches us to “deny ungodliness and worldly passions” and live self-controlled, upright lives.
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Psalm 15:1–2 – “Lord, who may dwell in Your sanctuary? He who walks uprightly, works righteousness, and speaks truth in his heart.”
Independent estimates say
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According to the Pew Research Center, unauthorized (living in the U.S. without legal immigration status) immigrants make up about 4% of the U.S. population. Pew Research Center
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In 2023 they estimated roughly 14 million unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. population.
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The total foreign-born (legal + unauthorized) population is higher (“well over 14%” of U.S. population, as you referenced).
What Tom Homan and This Trump Administration Truthfully Gave Us Real Facts
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Tom Homan publicly stated his belief that there are more than 20 million illegal immigrants in the U.S. — a figure significantly higher than most independent estimates. New York Post. His exact words: “I believe over 20 million illegal immigrants are in the U.S.” — Tom Homan. New York Post
Remember This..
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We are told that the best independent data: unauthorized population ≈ 4% of the U.S. population.
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Homan’s claim: The unauthorized population here is possibly 15-20% (if 20 million of ~330 million) of U.S. population.
1. Joseph (Old Testament)
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Story: Sold by his brothers, falsely accused, and thrown into an Egyptian prison.
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Bible References: Genesis 39:20; Genesis 40–41
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Key Point: Joseph’s faithfulness to God in prison eventually led to God’s promotion and provision.
What's been said: “Faith in God turns the prison into a palace, the dungeon into a hall of hope.” — Charles Spurgeon
2. Jeremiah (Old Testament)
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Story: The prophet was arrested, put in a cistern (mud pit), and left to die for speaking God’s truth to Judah.
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Bible References: Jeremiah 37:15–21; 38:6
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Key Point: God’s prophets often faced human authority’s wrath for delivering His message.
What's been said: “The servant of God is never safe in the eyes of men, but always secure in the hands of God.” — John MacArthur
3. Daniel (Old Testament)
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Story: Thrown into the lions’ den for praying to God instead of the king.
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Bible References: Daniel 6:10–24
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Key Point: Faithful obedience in the face of human law brings God’s protection and glory.
What's been said: “A man may be shut in by men, but he is never imprisoned by God.” — A.W. Tozer
4. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Old Testament)
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Story: Threatened with fiery furnace for refusing to worship Nebuchadnezzar’s idol.
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Bible References: Daniel 3:13–27
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Key Point: God’s deliverance demonstrates that faithfulness surpasses human authority.
What's been said: “Faith refuses to bow to human fear; God turns the fiery trial into a throne of witness.” — Charles Spurgeon
5. Peter (New Testament)
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Story: Arrested multiple times for preaching about Jesus; miraculously freed.
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Bible References: Acts 4:3; Acts 5:18–19; Acts 12:1–11
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Key Point: God can intervene supernaturally, and imprisonment often serves His plan.
What's been said: “If God opens a door in prison, it is a doorway to glory.” — John Piper
6. John the Apostle (New Testament)
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Story: Exiled to the island of Patmos for preaching Christ.
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Bible References: Revelation 1:9
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Key Point: Even in exile, God gave him revelation and hope for the Church.
What's been said: “God’s prisons are never empty of purpose; His chains are never without meaning.” — Watchman Nee
7. Paul (New Testament)
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Story: Arrested many times, whipped, imprisoned, shipwrecked, and ultimately executed for faith.
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Bible References: Acts 16:23–40 (Philippi); Acts 21:27–36; 2 Corinthians 11:23–28
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Key Point: Perseverance under persecution strengthens witness and spreads the Gospel.
What's been said: “Paul’s chains became the wings of the Gospel.” — Martin Luther
8. Silas (New Testament)
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Story: Imprisoned with Paul in Philippi, beaten for casting out a demon.
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Bible References: Acts 16:22–26
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Key Point: Singing and prayer in prison leads to God’s miraculous intervention.
What's been said: “God turns prison doors into pulpits for the faithful.” — John Stott
9. James, brother of John (New Testament)
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Story: Executed by Herod for his faith; part of early persecution.
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Bible References: Acts 12:1–2
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Key Point: Martyrdom is the ultimate witness for Christ.
What's been said: “Faith that endures unto death is the faith that conquers eternity.” — Charles Spurgeon
10. Apostles and Early Disciples (New Testament)
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Story: Many were imprisoned repeatedly for preaching Christ in Jerusalem and beyond.
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Bible References: Acts 5:17–42; Acts 21:30–36
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Key Point: Human authority cannot stop the advance of God’s Word.
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What's been said: “Chains cannot bind truth; prisons cannot silence the Spirit.” — John Calvin
- Scripture repeatedly contrasts human lawlessness and flawed authority with divine justice (See Psalm 82:2–4; Romans 13:1–4).
"A prison cell, in which one waits, hopes, and is completely dependent on the fact that the door of freedom has to be opened from the outside, is not a bad picture of Advent". ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer"In me there is darkness, But with You there is light; I am lonely, but You do not leave me; I am feeble in heart, but with You there is help". ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer, regarding his Nazi concentration prison experience"You can never learn that Christ is all you need, until Christ is all you have." ~ Corrie Ten Boom"When he tells us to love our enemies, He gives, along with the command, the love itself." ~ Corrie T.B."There is no pit so deep that God is not deeper still". ~ Betsie Ten Boom (on her deathbed) regarding her Nazi concentration camp experience
| Nr. | Name | Circumstances | Bible References | Teaching Point / Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joseph | Sold by brothers, falsely accused, imprisoned in Egypt | Gen 39:20; 40–41 | Faithfulness in prison leads to God’s provision. — Charles Spurgeon |
| 2 | Jeremiah | Arrested, put in a cistern for prophesying God’s word | Jer 37:15–21; 38:6 | God’s servants are safe in His hands, not men’s. — John MacArthur |
| 3 | Daniel | Thrown into lions’ den for praying to God | Dan 6:10–24 | Obedience brings God’s supernatural protection. — A.W. Tozer |
| 4 | Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego | Threatened with fiery furnace for refusing idol worship | Dan 3:13–27 | Faith in God surpasses human authority. — Charles Spurgeon |
| 5 | Peter | Arrested multiple times for preaching Jesus | Acts 4:3; 5:18–19; 12:1–11 | God can intervene miraculously in prison. — John Piper |
| 6 | John the Apostle | Exiled to Patmos for preaching | Rev 1:9 | Exile can become a place of revelation and hope. — Watchman Nee |
| 7 | Paul | Arrested, whipped, imprisoned, shipwrecked, executed | Acts 16:23–40; 21:27–36; 2 Cor 11:23–28 | Chains became wings of the Gospel. — Martin Luther |
| 8 | Silas | Imprisoned with Paul for casting out a demon | Acts 16:22–26 | Singing and prayer in prison lead to miracles. — John Stott |
| 9 | James, brother of John | Executed by Herod for faith | Acts 12:1–2 | Faith unto death conquers eternity. — Charles Spurgeon |
| 10 | Apostles / early disciples | Imprisoned repeatedly for preaching | Acts 5:17–42; 21:30–36 | Chains cannot bind truth; prisons cannot silence Spirit. — John Calvin |
| 11 | Stephen | Stoned for preaching Christ | Acts 6:8–7:60 | Martyrdom is ultimate witness. — William Wilberforce |
| 12 | Ezekiel | Faced opposition, symbolic confinement by God’s vision | Ezek 24:16–18 | God can use symbolic imprisonment to reveal His plan. — Matthew Henry |
| 13 | Isaiah | Threatened by King Manasseh | 2 Kings 21:16; Isa 37:1 | Prophets may face mortal danger for truth. — J.C. Ryle |
| 14 | Jonah | Swallowed by fish | Jonah 1:17 | God’s “prison” prepares for obedience and mission. — Charles Spurgeon |
| 15 | John the Baptist | Imprisoned by Herod for speaking truth | Mark 6:17–29 | Courage to speak truth may cost freedom. — John MacArthur |
| 16 | Anna the Prophetess | While not jailed, endured oppression in silence | Luke 2:36–38 | Faithful waiting under societal opposition counts. — A.W. Tozer |
| 17 | Zechariah, son of Jehoiada | Killed for prophesying against injustice | 2 Chron 24:20–22 | Speaking truth to power may lead to death. — Matthew Henry |
| 18 | Jeremiah’s companions | Imprisoned for supporting him | Jer 38:7–13 | God honors those who stand with His messengers. — John MacArthur |
| 19 | Paul (Roman custody) | Imprisoned in Caesarea, Rome | Acts 23–28 | God uses prison to advance mission. — John Piper |
| 20 | Peter (Herod’s prison) | Guards posted, chained, freed by angel | Acts 12:1–11 | God’s timing is perfect for deliverance. — Watchman Nee |
| 21 | Daniel’s companions in Babylon | Opposed culturally, faced death threats | Dan 1:8–16 | Resolve to honor God in hostile systems. — Charles Spurgeon |
| 22 | Elijah | Threatened by Jezebel | 1 Kings 19:1–3 | Fear does not nullify God’s mission. — J.C. Ryle |
| 23 | Nehemiah | Faced plots while rebuilding wall | Neh 6:1–9 | Opposition may appear as imprisonment. — Matthew Henry |
| 24 | John Mark | Imprisoned by circumstances in ministry | 2 Tim 4:11 (implied) | Even setbacks can become preparation. — John Stott |
| 25 | Paul & Timothy | Multiple imprisonments | 2 Tim 1:16–18 | God’s grace strengthens in chains. — Martin Luther |
| 26 | Cornelius (Roman soldier) | Persecution in early Church | Acts 10 | God opens doors even under surveillance. — A.W. Tozer |
| 27 | Enoch / Noah’s contemporaries | Spiritual imprisonment by corruption | Gen 5:22–24; Heb 11:7 | Walking with God separates from lawless culture. — Charles Spurgeon |
| 28 | Moses | Flees Egypt, symbolic imprisonment under Pharaoh | Ex 2:15–22 | God’s call often passes through human-imposed limitation. — John MacArthur |
| 29 | Samson | Captured and blinded by Philistines | Judges 16:21–30 | Weakness and captivity can precede God’s victory. — Watchman Nee |
| 30 | Apostles at the Jerusalem Council | Faced civil and religious opposition | Acts 15:1–35 | Perseverance under persecution establishes truth. — John Calvin |
Let their lives encourage you to pray and live boldly as they did.
Did ya see that 1963 classic movie called The Great Escape starring Steve McQueen as Captain Virgil "The Cooler King" an American P.O.W. stuck in a German prison/concentration camp? (BTW Steve later got saved by Jesus. You can too, right here and now. Don't put it off. Refuse to wait any longer)
The Apostle Peter's escape was also much greater. He was led by an angel out of his prison cell (can you envision him all groggy and blurry-eyed? Our great and faithful God was the real greatness part of that historic scene (See Acts 12:6-17).
Sorry, but it reminds me of that ole song on the radio (that dates me):
"Well I said shake, rattle and rollI said shake rattle and roll
I said shake, rattle and roll
I said shake rattle and roll
Well you won't do right to save your doggone soul
Listen, if you ever go to jail or prison for no wrongdoing of your own, praise the Lord anyway. Yeah, do like Paul and Silas did.
Check out the whole 16th chapter of Acts!
“But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience” (2 Cor. 6:4). I love to look at the patience of Jail-bird Paul...
- In waiting for a helper (Acts 16:1–5). Timothy replaced John Mark and became a true son in the faith to Paul. God has the right person ready at the right time, so be patient.
- In seeking God’s will (6–10). He was an apostle, yet he did not always know the direction God wanted him to take. He took steps, God closed doors, so he waited; and then God showed him the way.
- In ministering the Word (11–15). They waited “some days” before seeking a place to witness, and God had hearts all prepared.
In bearing annoyance (16–18). Paul put up with the demonic promotion as long as he could and then cast out the demon. Paul knew that his action would create problems for him, and it did.
- In enduring suffering (19–25). Paul did not use his Roman citizenship to protect himself from pain (22:22–29), but later he used it to protect the new church (vv. 35–40). When you hurt, ask God to give you songs in the night (Ps. 42:8).
- In winning a lost soul (26–34). Paul had his eyes on the keeper of the prison and in kindness won him to Christ. How much are we willing to suffer to win someone to the Lord, especially someone who has hurt us?
“Patience is power. With time and patience, the mulberry leaf becomes silk!” ~ Chinese Proverb
Even in chains, their devotion and worship unto Jesus Christ shone. With their feet secured in stocks, they lifted their voices up in song for their first-love, hymns of praise echoing in the darkness there.
At midnight, an earthquake shattered the prison doors, freeing every prisoner. The jailer, fearing the penalty for their escape, was ready to take his own life. But Paul and Silas intervened, guiding him to safety, and in that very night, he and his household came to faith (Acts 16:25–34). Scripture hints that Silas, like Paul, was a Roman citizen (v. 37), yet citizenship could not shield them from suffering for the gospel.
Their mission continued. In Thessalonica, Paul and Silas preached boldly in the synagogue. Many Jews were convinced, and Greeks, including prominent women, were drawn to faith (Acts 17:1–4). But opposition followed. Unbelieving Jews stirred up trouble, accusing Jason, a new believer, of hosting “men who have turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:5–8). Undeterred, Paul and Silas traveled to Berea, where they found “more noble” listeners who examined the Scriptures daily, proving the truth for themselves (Acts 17:11–12).
The final mention of Silas in Acts comes in Corinth (Acts 18:5). Paul stayed there for a year and a half (v. 11) before returning to Antioch, leaving Silas’s later movements unrecorded. Tradition suggests he remained in Corinth as a pastor. Peter honors him as “a faithful brother” (1 Peter 5:12), and Paul references him in 2 Corinthians 1:19 and the greetings of his letters to the Thessalonians.
The story of Paul and Silas reminds us of the value of faithful companions in God’s work. Their hearts were aligned, their commitment unwavering, and their ministry inseparable. Whether seeking the Spirit’s guidance, blazing trails across continents, preaching in synagogues, or singing in the darkness of a jail cell, they acted in unity. Their loyalty—to Christ, to the gospel, and to one another—sets a model for believers today. As Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 reminds us, “Two are better than one…if either of them falls, one can help the other up.” Faithful companions, like Paul and Silas, are gifts from God, partners in the tireless labor of spreading His truth.
Praise God I've never been behind any bars -- used to go to a few bars (in the 70s). Really don't need those either.
God has wisely set specific boundries for you to live within.
I say try not to go to jail (at least not for any wrongdoin's you know, like sneekin' into some country unlawfully), but earnestly seek to know, obey, and tactfully minister the gospel for God's glory. There is indeed a good place of blessing for you live in the will of God and that spot won't include lawbreaking on your part. Regardless of the costs, and if you go, you go. He will guide and keep you no matter what.
