I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel…
Philippians 1:12-18
Tertullian, an early church leader, coined the term Trinitas(Latin), “Trinity”(English). He is also credited with saying, “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” It does seem that the church grows most rapidly whenever the ruling powers attempt to stamp out Christians. From the Roman persecution of 1st Century Christians to Bloody Mary’s crackdown during the Reformation, even to the current communist oppression of the church in China, God has used the suffering of His people to bear effective witness to the truth of His Word. This was certainly true of the apostles as all but John were martyred as well. Paul addresses his persecution in his letter to the Philippians in our verses today. Paul wanted to let the church in Philippi know how he was doing while in a Roman prison. Paul wrote to the Philippian Christians that his time in chains was not hindering his ministry but rather advancing it. You see, the “whole imperial guard,” had become aware that his imprisonment resulted from following Jesus Christ above all other gods, even Caesar. Because of Paul’s chains, he would have been guarded in four-hour shifts by different members of the famous Praetorian Guard, the same soldiers tasked with protecting the emperor and other important officials in ancient Rome. Since Paul was chained directly to these soldiers, even though he was allowed to stay in his own residence and receive visitors, Paul had ample opportunity to share the gospel with his guards. Word would have spread rapidly about this strange Jew from Tarsus who believed that a crucified rabble-rouser in backward Palestine was in fact the Creator and Lord of all. Matthew Henry, a 16th century theologian, commented, “A strange chemistry of Providence this, to extract so great a good as the advance of the gospel out of so great an evil as the confinement of the apostle.” It may seem odd for God to choose what is lowly and unexpected to advance that which is glorious but, that is exactly what He says in Scripture. God loves to demonstrate His strength in our weakness. It is certain that we would not do things that way if given the chance. God delights to show Himself in our weakness so that His glory might be clearly seen. We too should look to advance God’s Kingdom even as we suffer for His sake. Our suffering for the sake of Jesus is actually an occasion for great joy, not for the pain in itself but, because it is at our weakest points that God decides to show Himself the strongest. As we consider those who are suffering for the gospel around the world, we should pray that the gospel would go forth in the midst of their trouble. And, we should ask the Lord to make us shining lights for Him when we endure scorn for His name.
Source: S C Ball February 13, 2024
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