Here, Paul urged the Christians in Colosse to be persistent in praying for him. However, it is clear that Paul was not looking for a way out of the tribulation. He was looking for a way through it. A way that would pave the way for the continued preaching of the gospel. He wasn't motivated to get out into freedom - he was motivated to get out and proclaim again the freedom that Jesus had purchased for us on the cross.
When Peter was imprisoned by Herod Agrippa, we read in Acts 12:3-5 thatHe seized Peter and threw him into prison, and set four teams of four soldiers each to watch over him. After Easter, he would then bring him before the people.Peter was kept in prison, but the church prayed tirelessly to God for him.
There's no doubt which of Peter and Herod slept better that night. And Herod had good reason to be concerned. Because as we read here in verse 5, the congregation prayed tirelessly to God for Peter.
The congregation was persistent in their prayers. Peter was part of the church - of the community - of the family. They refused to allow a repeat of the execution that had happened to James. God heard their prayer and intervened, just as He will today when we turn to Him
Should we as the church of God allow the persecution of Christians to continue, or should we, as the first church, tirelessly persevere in prayer for our brothers and sisters until we see God intervene? Not for deliverance from tribulation and imprisonment alone, but also in intercession for those who are in a spiritual prison and need to hear the message of Jesus Christ - the only way to true freedom.
Jamie Høyer is a pastor at Impact Church.
