Whenever something bad happens to us we oftentimes look for explanations or reasons, but Paul wanted his readers to understand that adverse circumstances do not always have explanations attached. As he began writing this letter to the church at Philippi he wanted them to know “that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel….” Although Paul did not understand all of God’s purposes for his being imprisoned, he did know that God could use him to spread the gospel even when he was in prison. Some people allow bad circumstances to silence their witness for Jesus Christ; however, Paul challenged his readers to look past the circumstances to see how good can result from bad. Paul seems to indicate that the people around him (palace guard, all the rest) knew God was using this circumstance as a tool to reach more people with the gospel (1:13-14). His witness actually encouraged others to preach the gospel and become more bold in sharing their faith. Paul mentions two groups of people who were preaching the gospel: those who preach from envy and strife and those who preach from goodwill. There were those people who were jealous of Paul’s giftedness and looked at his imprisonment as God’s punishment upon some hidden sin in his life, but many others were sincerely preaching Christ crucified (1:15-17). Regardless of who was preaching, Paul was just happy that the gospel was continuing to be proclaimed, even if it were by his accusers (1:18). Paul had confidence that he would be delivered from his current circumstances through the prayers of the church and the power of the Holy Spirit (1:19-20). If he was released from prison one day, Paul would continue to bear fruit for the glory of God; however, if he died in prison he would rejoice in being with the Lord (1:21-26). Paul proclaims “for me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Living would enable him to carry on his earthly ministry, but death would enable him to spend eternity with God!
Dear God, help me to look at bad circumstances from Your perspective and to make the most of glorifying You while on earth knowing that one day I’ll be with You forever!
