The Solitude of Cells
Story★★★★J. H. Jowett, in his study of the epistles of Paul, writes about the apostle’s
imprisonments, “What a life Paul would have lived had he been free to do whatever
he liked! It is notorious that when a man is made a bishop his days become so
crowded that it is a rare thing for him to produce his greatest books! And who
knows but that if this great apostle had had more temporary freedom we might have
had less permanent fruit. Sometimes the Lord permits our seclusion in order that we
may do a larger work.”
The point
J.H. Jowett reflects on Paul's imprisonment as providential—isolation often creates space for the greatest work, and restriction sometimes produces greater fruit than freedom.
Scripture
2 Timothy 2:9Philippians 1:12
Audience
Adults
Tone
Contemplative · Hopeful
To tell aloud
under a minute · 97 words