Free Bible Commentary
“Philippians 1:12-18”
Categories: Philippians“Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear. Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice.”
--- End of Scripture verses---
The Apostle Paul looked at his “imprisonment in the cause of Christ” (verse 13) as a win-win situation. The driving purpose of his life after having been blinded by Christ on the Damascus Road and his subsequent conversion to the Lord was to propel the “progress of the gospel” (verse 12). And, while I feel confident that being wrongfully imprisoned was upsetting and not always a pleasant situation, it actually accommodated the Gospel’s “greater progress”.
You have to admire Paul’s positive attitude in obviously difficult “circumstances”. Paul makes it clear near the end of this letter that he had learned the “secret” of being “content” in whatever circumstances that he found himself in (4:11-12). “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (4:13). The “secret” is strong faith in Christ Jesus. The Lord will be with us and carry us through any and all of life’s difficult situations as long as we keep our faith and focus on Him, and draw our strength from His infinite supply in heaven. Through Jesus, even when we are physically weak, we can be spiritually strong (2 Corinthians 12:10).
And even though Paul was “content,” he most certainly was not idle! Even in prison he took advantage of his opportunities to do the Lord’s work! That’s the reason why the Gospel progressed. It was not a miraculous thing. To be certain, the Lord gave the increase, but Paul was actively planting and watering (1 Corinthians 3:6-7)! It was a determined disciple of Christ getting busy with the work that the Lord had assigned to him no matter where he was or who he was with. When Paul was a free man, he knew he was the Lord’s prisoner. When he was a prisoner he knew he was the Lord’s free man. His heart, mind and life were all wrapped up in Christ so Christ was all the focus of his thoughts and conversation!
Now back to the win-win situation. The whole “praetorian guard” who stood watch over the prisoners and “everyone else” who was involved in the affairs of operating a prison, knew that Paul had been imprisoned for “the cause of Christ,” and not for any criminal activity. And, not only was the Good News spreading throughout the prison, “most of the brethren” were emboldened to “speak the word of God without fear” (verse 14). Because of Paul’s arrest, the Gospel was proliferating inside and outside of the prison. WIN-WIN!
Some people were preaching the Gospel from a heart filled with “envy and strife” (verse 15) and “selfish ambition” (verse 17), but Paul still rejoiced about that (verse 18). Even though their motives were wrong their teaching was right. They were still teaching the truth! They would have to personally answer to the Lord for their sins of envy, strife and selfishness, but people were still learning the truth and being saved, so that was reason to rejoice! But most of the brethren who loved Paul found the “courage to speak the word of God without fear” (verse 14) because they were emboldened by the fact that Paul had a great attitude and had kept preaching the word, even in prison, and the Lord was taking very good care of him.
The Lord can use you right where you have been stationed friend. He can strengthen and encourage you no matter what situation you may find yourself in. He can lift you up and brighten your attitude in the darkest of times. Have you given your life to Him? There is no better, happier, safer place to be!
Please read Philippians 1:19-21 for tomorrow.
Have a blessed day!
- Louie Taylor
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