Was house arrest in the bible?

Answer 1

Yes it was! In fact, Paul the Apostal was often jailed and misunderstood by the people of that time (see: Acts chaper 21:27-36, chapter 27 and 28). Jeremiah the Prophet was also on house arrest as a result of phrophecying things to come from God (Jeremiah 23:1-31). Many men in The Bible withstood pain and suffering (David, Solomon, job, Ruth and Naomi, etc.). Do a Google search on "house arrest and the bible" to find more resources. You may also google "Jeremiah and house arrest" to read about his house arrest.

Just let me say that because house arrest is in the bible doesn't mean that it is an okay thing to experience. House arrest has many of the same connatations as "real jail time" in a prison does, although it is a bit more lax and less structured. However, I don't want to give you the impression that house arrest is a good thing just because some men in the bible have experienced it as well. But what I do want to do is give you hope that house arrest can work to your benefit by helping you develop (by seeking the scriptures, that is) a greater person and profound insight about God, your relationship to God, and the trials and tribulations you are going through.

The bible has many stories of empowerment that relate very much to the lives we live today. Back in biblical days, men experienced visions and prophetic dreams, divorce, betrayal, coveteousness, jealousy, intimidation, uncertainty, depression, anxiety, selfishness, etc. This is one reason why the bible is such a great companion. The bible is like a wise account of our every day struggles and you can always seek scripture and gain more insight than you would have if you hadn't pursued the bible (see I Chronicles chapter 28:9).

I would encourage you to read the book of Job (from beginning to end) so that you can see just how tribulation and extreme pain can turn out for your good. Job can attest to the many days that he felt abandoned and that he wanted to take his life and die. He can attest to the greatest reward once one comes through a terrible situation. Paul (in Acts) can show you how a relationship with God can develop into a wonderful tapestry through suffering. Did you know that Paul wrote Ephesians, Philemon, Colossians, and Phillipians while on house arrest? Did you know that Paul had to serve an extra amount of time on house arrest when he entered Another Country? Read Acts and you'll find out!

I wish you well,

Dr.T