How we cite our quotes:
Quote #1
This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—for surely you have already heard of the commission of God's grace that was given me for you. (Ephesians 3:1-2, NRSV)
For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward. (Ephesians 3:1-2, KJV)
We start with confinement right off the bat. Yup, Paul's writing both these letters from the Big House. We're hoping he makes parole soon.
Quote #2
Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God's grace that was given me by the working of his power. Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ[…] I pray therefore that you may not lose heart over my sufferings for you; they are your glory. (Ephesians 3:7-8, 13, NRSV)
Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ[…] Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. (Ephesians 3:7-8, 13, KJV)
Paul may be a "servant" and "the least of the saints," but that doesn't stop him from getting some major stuff done. Even though he's under lock and key, God has entrusted him with a mission that will free the world.
Quote #3
I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called. (Ephesians 4:1, NRSV)
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called. (Ephesians 4:1, KJV)
Notice how Paul spins his jail time here. He's not a prisoner of the state or the Roman government—he's a "prisoner in the Lord." Because he went to jail for his service to Christ, Paul clearly sees his time in lock-up as part of a divine plan.