Win Christ

As the gospel swept through Asia and Europe no man was more influential in the preaching and forwarding of the message than Paul. Now incarcerated, Paul has not stopped his activity for he has not ceased reliance upon God. To a friend Hudson Taylor wrote, “Remember, the devil can wall you round, but he cannot roof you in.”The Spirit’s blessing is evident still, despite bonds.

We find that his estimation of the gospel’s progress is summarized in a few statements of activity. Firstly, there was the gospel which was being preached in his bonds (vs.12-13). Secondly, his bonds were inciting courage in the Lord in personal witness amongst the Christians in Rome, to boldly speak for Christ outside of prison (vs.14-18). Lastly, there was the defense of the gospel which was being made to the highest court in the world (vs.18). How could a hardened envoy of the gospel not rejoice at such advances despite personal risk?

Guerrilla Evangelism

“But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;” (Philippians 1:12-13)

The gospel is a tremendously unstoppable message- and many have tried to stay its course but failed. The gospel is like a wall-flower that often takes root and prospers in the craggiest, most unlikely places- but bears a testimony to God’s grace in vivid clarity and contrast.

Paul’s optimism and rejoicing despite his circumstance certainly did not catch anyone off-guard in Philippi. I would venture, no one second-guessed his mood. You will recall that it was Paul and Silas who were found at midnight, praying, and singing praises (Acts 16:25) in Philippi. Now about 9 years later Paul finds himself in another jail and again his heart is rejoicing. His present imprisonment was critically different this time, for he was alone. There is no Silas to be his companion in the bleakness of a jail-cell at midnight. Timothy is his faithful companion, visiting Paul in his incarceration. Still, Paul’s mood seemed indomitable. He is found rejoicing, giving thanks, being filled with Christ, thinking of other believers, and being a blessing in the capacity he was able. We might ask, ‘what gave Paul such joy in his predicament?’ To which I submit that it was the control of the Spirit in his life. Galatians 5:22-23 will short-list joy as a mark of the Spirit led life. The Epistle to the Philippians bears testimony to the Spirit’s leading in Paul’s life. In his letter, Paul indicates that all nine of the Holy Spirit’s fruits are evident in his life. In this section, as throughout the epistle, we will notice his joy and rejoicing- this time as he is thankful to God for other Christians.

Philippians 1:3 – “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.”