The Apostle Paul was the originator of New Testament correctional ministering. Some of his greatest testimonies come from his "correctional" ministering. In fact, he established jail ministries in nearly every town and church where he travelled.
Others in this ministry include Joseph, John the Baptist, Peter, James and John. There were also Jeremiah, the three Hebrew men in Daniel and several unnamed prophets, including the New Testament Apostles and others. Not only do we know these were placed "behind bars" for their unflinching fervor for the Lord but most likely in God's Divine providence. For souls' sake I'd presume. And all were tried for social criminal charges, questioned even by their brethren as to the charge's truth and often avoided due to believing the "authorities'" side. But, some were not ashamed of their bonds, as Apostle Paul said.
You know too, that many if not most of these received a death sentence for their crimes against society. And again, few were charged for the "crime" of preaching Christ, instead their crime was of a social nature, attempted rape (Joseph), treason (Jeremiah), insurrection (Paul), "He stirreth up the people" - insurrection (Christ), etc.
You see, it is Biblically proven that the state uses supposed acts against society contrived by God haters against God's men, especially or His people in general. In doing this they separate them from even other believers as we teach and preach that godliness is a status of "unblameableness" (ie. no legal charge). Hence, the average believer is made to feel that these criminals against the state are not true or good Christians. What about these testimonies, this great cloud of witnesses?
Are we prepared to not be ashamed of the bonds of persecuted brethren? Perhaps God will open more and more "correctional" ministries from inside?
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