“Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound” (2 Tim. 2:9).
The big word here is bound. In Greek it is deo (deh’-o), a primitive verb root meaning “to chain, shackle, put in fetters, imprison.”
Here Paul refers to his own prison confinement. He is suffering hardship and being treated like a common criminal. His ankles are in stocks and his wrists in irons. Yet joyfully he bursts forth with this praise report: “I am suffering imprisonment as though I were a criminal, but the Word of God is not bound.”
Paul is telling us that although circumstances may try to limit, restrict, or bind us, we should always praise God that His promises can never be confined.
This verse reminds me of the story of the man who had gone grocery shopping for his family. On his way home, he was held up and robbed of all his food supplies. Still he came home brightly whistling a song of praise.
His family couldn’t understand how he could be so cheerful when he had just lost all their food. His reply was, “Oh, that man may have stolen our food, but we still have our appetite! He didn’t get that!”
Paul could rejoice in the fact that even though he sat chained in a dark, dismal cell, the Word of God was out criss-crossing Asia Minor and turning people by the thousands to the Lord.
“I am limited in what I am able to do and where I can go,” Paul admits. “But the promises of God know no limitations. He is still sending His Word and healing people everywhere!” (Ps. 107:20.)
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.