Philippians 1:12-26
Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear. Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice.
Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again. [NASB1995®]
Paul is in prison, a situation that none of us would like to experience, but despite the circumstance, which would fill anyone with fear and anguish, the feeling that predominates in Paul is: JOY.
There is a prevailing passion in the life of this ex-Pharisee and former persecutor of the church: Christ and the proclamation of the Gospel.
Therefore, upon seeing that his personal circumstances result in the Gospel being preached more, he rejoices. He is confident that Christ is being glorified in his life, even if he has to die for the faith. Furthermore, if that means the end of his days, he rejoices, because finally he will be embraced by his Savior.
What is the reason that he has not died yet? He has yet to continue preaching and proclaiming the Gospel that completely transformed his life.
Meditate: Let us have this same passion- for Christ, our Savior, and for proclaiming the greatness of His mercy and His love! God bless you!
Scripture quotation taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Translation By: Emily Stader
