Ambassador in Chains

A one-man drama of courage, calling, and unshakable faith. (includes both English and Spanish versions)

Step into a Roman prison cell and witness the final reflections of the Apostle Paul—chained, weary, and yet fully alive in Christ. Ambassador in Chains is a powerful two-act monologue that brings Scripture to life with raw emotion, deep conviction, and surprising humor. Through storytelling, prayer, and direct audience connection, Paul recounts his past, encourages the church, and urges each of us to live boldly for the Gospel.

Written with deep biblical insight, this one-man play draws from Paul’s letters and life to explore grace, perseverance, and eternal hope.

SETTING: 
Mamertine, a Roman prison, circa 60 AD. A three-sided set made to be cold, stone walls and floors. These are slimy and covered with mold and mildew. A warm, but not too
bright light comes down from overhead. This is where Luke and the others will be. There is nasty matted straw in a corner as a bed. A heavy canvas bag is near the bed, as
well as a few parchment scrolls. Some pieces of papyrus lay about.
It is relatively dark. 

Run Time: Approx. 45–60 minutes
Cast: 1 actor (Paul)
Setting: Mamertine Prison, Rome, c. 60 AD
Bible Focus: Inspired by Ephesians 6:19–20 and Paul's epistles
Themes: Spiritual endurance, evangelism, legacy of faith
Props/Set: Simple 3-wall prison cell, parchment scrolls, worn bedding, chains
Special Features: Includes Hebrew phrases, worship moments, and interactive storytelling

Bonus: Script includes both the original English version and a full Spanish translation!

Sample Script:

PAUL (Awakens, yawning and stretching, looks about, then “sees” Luke through the hole above.) Lucas, can you move, you’re blocking the only light I have.

Luke… Look at you up there. A highly educated doctor by trade, and a Gentile no less, asleep above the prison cell of an old Jew, me, who awaits his own inevitable fate. Go ahead, Lucas, and sleep some more. I won’t wake you, yet. You are as exhausted as I am, my friend.

(Rising, with soreness) Baruch Ha'shem, Praise the Lord! I have seen another morning. I thank you, God, Eternal One, for lovingly restoring my soul to me, filled with Your eternal trust.

(Putting his Tallit over his head) Blessed are You, our God, Creator of time and space, who enriches our lives with holiness, commanding us to wrap ourselves in the tallit.

(A single shaft of light comes from above, drawing PAUL’s attention)

Oh, Boker Tov, Lucas, good morning. It’s hard to sleep up there, isn’t it? You should try sleeping down here.

Yes, I’ve been up for a while. What? Oh, just praying and thinking. I’ve been thinking about Timothy some more. I miss him, so very much. He has been such a comfort and such a breath of new life in the ministry.

(Sits, and speaks, looking up to Luke)
Sliha, forgive me. I didn’t mean to imply that you have not been a comfort. You have been faithful and I thank God for you daily. I have no desire to hurt your feelings,
Luke, but, The Holy Spirit has made it clear to me that Timothy is very special, and he is needed. I just hope he can come before winter. 

Yes, a lot does depend on whether the letter reaches him in time. If it does, Timothy will be here, if the Lord wills. All in God’s time, …all in God’s time. 

Luke, there is something I,…feel I,…need to share with you.
I have needed to talk about it for some time.

Want to see how the story unfolds? DramaShare members get this complete script— and access to our entire library—free! Not a member? You can still grab this individual script and bring it to life.