In Chains

Passage: Philippians 1:12-26

The Book of Philippians is one of the most positive and encouraging letters of the New Testament. The consistent theme throughout the book seems to be, “Rejoice!” The author, Paul, repeatedly reminds members of his church how good they have it.
The great paradox of the book is that Paul is writing from prison. Moreover, Paul doesn’t know whether he will live another day as a free man. It’s possible (and assumed by many New Testament scholars) that this period of incarceration ends in Paul’s execution. Is Paul in denial?

Paul’s message in this setting is consistent with that which he has maintained for his entire ministry: life is good because he belongs to Jesus Christ. It doesn’t matter if he’s surrounded by friends or fellow inmates. It doesn’t matter whether he’s being attended by angels or prison guards. The basic condition of his life hasn’t changed: saved by grace. Redeemed for a purpose.
It is in respect to the latter that Paul not only considers his circumstances tolerable. He describes them as providential. Paul actually celebrates that he is in prison. As the book progresses, there are two reasons for this. The first is that Paul’s incarceration has introduced him to a whole new mission field. Paul doesn’t waste the opportunity to share the Gospel with other prisoners, and even the prison’s guards and wardens. Many have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior. The second is that Paul’s suffering has added a new dimension to his kinship with Jesus. Jesus suffered unjust imprisonment and death for Paul and the rest of the world’s sinners. In a profound way Paul’s own experience has heightened his sense of connection to his Savior.

It takes immense faith to see difficult circumstances not only as trials to be endured, but as opportunities. Opportunities to introduce others to the Savior; and opportunities to be drawn deeper into our relationship with him.