The Book of Philippians Pt. 6 Dire Circumstances and A Good Report!

Paul was eager to share a good report!

Philippians 1:12-14  But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; 13) So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; 14) And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 

After pouring out his heart in the preceding section of his letter to the church at Philippi, Paul had a great praiseworthy ministry note to share with those folks. Some of the Philippian believers had heard about Paul's imprisonment and they were concerned both for his well being and for the gospel of Jesus Christ continuing to go out into the pagan lands. 

The apostle had certain things he wanted them to "understand." The word "understand" means to begin to fully understand something that they did not previously know. He called them "brethren" which reminded them that they were "all" born again, blood washed believers in Jesus Christ. 

The things that Paul referred to are the false accusations of the Jewish religious leaders that led to his appeal to Caesar and subsequent journey to Rome as a prisoner. Next Paul used the phrase "which happened unto me" and the key word is translated "happened." It speaks of a downward motion from a higher place to a lower place. Paul is pointing us to the permissive will of God that would allow his incarceration to be used for His glory. 

These things that happened have "fallen out" which is a term used for the public arrival of someone or something. Paul wanted them to know that all things work together for good to them that love God. In this case all of these events. It resulted "rather" for the "furtherance of the gospel." The word "rather" means it happened to a greater degree and sooner than expected. The word "furtherance" means to cut a new path or to strike a new course. Here it expressed a more rapid  progress and advancement of the gospel of Christ. 

Paul was telling the Philippians not to be dismayed over his circumstances because God was overruling Satan's resistance and causing the good news to be spread more rapidly and by more people. 

Paul's circumstances resulted in new witnessing opportunities. 

Philippians 1:13  So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;

In fact, the apostle rejoiced because he also had many new witnessing opportunities. His bonds were manifest, that is those he spoke to recognized that Paul was a prisoner because of the gospel. He used the word "palace" and we might think he was held at Caesars royal dwelling place. 

However, the word translated "palace" is "praetorium" which refers to the barracks of some elite Roman guards known as the "praetorium guard." They were hand picked soldiers who received special benefits because of their loyalty to Caesar. Thus, Paul was able to share the gospel of Christ with many of these elite soldiers and he could not have done this if he were not a Roman prisoner.  God worked it out for good!

Paul's circumstances motivated many other believers to share the gospel. 

Philippians 1:14  And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Paul had more blessings to share with his beloved Philippian believers. Many other born again brethren "waxed confident" which means they persuaded other non believers to believe the truth of the gospel. 

The meaning also is connected to being motivated by a kind heart toward those who were trapped in spiritual darkness.  It was Paul's imprisonment and chains that Christ used to embolden these brethren. Paul did not complain, grumble or whine about his situation. He patiently remained trusting His Lord to take care of all the perceived "hindrances" in the way of spreading the gospel.  

Many brethren spoke the word of God without fear. This is the idea of not having any dread to preach the gospel or having no fears of retribution for proclaiming the good news. 

Paul did not care that some had wrong motivations. 

Philippians 1:15-17  Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 16) The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: 17) But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel. 

Paul noted that some people shared the gospel with right motives while others had wrong motives for doing the work of God. Some  Philippians were concerned that certain people preached the gospel with wrong motivation. They took advantage of Paul's imprisonment to draw crowds while sharing the gospel. They were envious of Paul and thought that they could cause Paul some grief or anxiety. They were insincere people

Others had good will, or the right motivation for proclaiming the good news of salvation and peace with God through repentant faith in Jesus Christ. They truly wanted to see souls added to the kingdom of God. They knew the joy and happiness of being born again and called out of the devil's darkness into God's kingdom of light and they hoped others would join them.

One group hoped to cause Paul problems and add more affliction to his imprisonment. Others shared the gospel because they loved God and loved Paul. They knew Paul was in jail to defend the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ.  

Paul remained faithful and continued rejoicing!

Philippians 1:18  What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. 

Paul said that in spite of the opposition of jealous Judaizers and misguided, wrongly motivated  men, Christ is preached. The good news is proclaimed. It did not matter to the apostle whether someone preached the gospel with false pretenses or with true hearts toward God. Jesus Christ was being exalted for all to see, hear and respond to the call of sinners to repentant faith. 

Thus, Paul concluded his good report by telling the people whom he greatly loved, that he is rejoicing and he will continue to rejoice. The efforts of wicked men to provoke Paul to anger and wrath failed. He was content that Christ was preached. 

Thoughts to Ponder...

Sometimes we face difficult circumstances like Paul faced. It may be health related, family troubles, financial adversity, or a host of other trials that may come our way. 

Will we be encouraged and respond like Paul did? He was cheerful and glad hearted, not despondent and downhearted. He looked upward and trusted the Lord, rather than looking at his circumstances and being weighed down by them. 

We need to remember Who is in charge. God is! He will work all things out for good to them that love Him. We need to remain faithful in the face of whatever adversity that is challenging us. 

God can provide us with new opportunities to serve Him in ways that we could not serve if we did not go through the adversity. Paul was in jail but he had plenty of new people to share Christ with. God promised to work things out for good to all who love Him.

I pray that these truths from the apostle Paul will be a great blessing to each of us now and in the days ahead. May we be freshly committed to living for the glory of God. May we not fear what man can do to us, but keep our eyes focused upon our risen King and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Bob