Did you know that several characters in the Bible found themselves in prison? Here’s a short list:

• Joseph (son of Jacob)—Genesis 39:20-41:14
• Samson—Judges 16:21-27
• Jeremiah—Jeremiah 32-33, 37-39
• Jehoiachin (King of Judah)—2 Kings 24-25
• Manasseh (King of Judah)—2 Chronicles 33:10-20
• John the Baptist—Luke 3:19-20; cf. Matthew 14:1-10
• Peter—Acts 12:3-17
• Paul—Acts 16:23ff; 2 Corinthians 11:23, et al.

Almost always, the ones incarcerated were innocent and sometimes forgotten or killed. God doesn’t forget those imprisoned, and we shouldn’t either (cf. Matthew 25:31ff).

Some of our members are involved with teaching the Gospel to those incarcerated at the local correctional facility. Many probably believe trying to teach people who are locked up is a waste of time. However, the word of God has the power to change people (Romans 1:16). We mustn’t forget that God desires all to be saved by coming to know the truth (1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9). We never know who will or will not be receptive to the saving message of the Gospel. Jesus commanded His disciples to proclaim the Gospel to all the world (Matthew 28:18ff; Mark 16:15-16). If you are a Christian and are reading this, remember that someone shared the good news of Jesus with you. And don’t forget that it is our duty to share the truth with others, wherever they may be (1 Peter 2:9-10).