Win Christ

As we read Paul’s Epistle to the Philippians it is very easy to forget that the apostle was incarcerated in a Roman prison. From the warmth of the text we would expect more accommodating and comfortable surroundings. But Paul was in prison for his defense of the gospel, and the prison was dank and cold, though Paul’s heart seems warm and inviting. The imprisoned apostle seems to have been particularly encouraged by the Philippian believers in ministering to him (4:10,4:14, 4:18). This present help stimulated undoubtedly pleasant memories of the Philippians’ past care of him. This remembrance and present evidence of their continuing ministry led Paul to write in his letter of thanks “being confident of this very thing that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (1:6). Paul recognizes in the Philippian believers that they had begun in the Spirit and were continuing in the same work of the Spirit. Such a thing could not be said of the Christians in Galatia (Galatians 3:3).

It seems that Paul’s delight and longing was made to over-flow by the acts of affection which Paul had received. Longing to be a blessing to these believers, but constrained by the walls of his prison cell, Paul did what all great men of faith do – he prayed. His prayer is underscored by his earnest desire and longing for these believers.

In the last section we introduced this outline for examining Paul’s mention of prayer in Philippians: