How refreshing that Paul considered it a privileged position to be in prison for Christ. This is true because he saw the Gospel being spread through his chains. He didn't want the Philippians to feel sorry for him. What appeared in Paul's case, in Joseph's case, in Jesus' case, to be defeat and the end of a ministry, turned out to be a glorious fulfillment of ministry and life purpose! Christians can take courage in this. Consider the impact of the thousands of hours Paul was chained to soldiers throughout their shifts. How the Gospel could travel through this intense evangelism and discipleship. They could see the difference between Paul's life and concepts and attitudes, and those of the other criminals to whom they had been chained. Also, Paul received access, in this way, to an otherwise untouchable group of people--those closest to Caesar. Moreover, even Christians outside of the prison began to excel in courage in dangerous situations. Clearly, God can even motivate His people through circumstances that appear to be dead ends in ministry. Because such dead ends are in fact wide open with potential for the Gospel. |
