Paul, the Prisoner, on Publicity (Philippians 1)

A Video Supplement for
Come, Follow Me Lesson 40:
“I Can Do All Things through Christ Which Strengtheneth Me”

Transcript

In Philippians chapter 1, Paul is commenting on the effects that his status as a prisoner have had for the Church of Jesus Christ. It seems to have been both embarrassing and emboldening for the Church, but Paul ultimately concludes that it has been a good thing. Beginning at verse 12:

12 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.

15 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 defence of the gospel.

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 has no higher objective than teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and leading souls unto salvation through him. Paul is in prison. For some of the followers of Christ, Paul’s boldness while in prison has proven infectious and they now lift up their voices to share the good news about Jesus. For others, Paul is in prison and that is just where they would like him to be, and they hope to get him in more trouble by preaching Christ. Paul is grateful for both because, although they are doing it spitefully, hoping to cause Paul problems, they are also preaching Jesus and Paul has no higher goal than preaching Jesus. He can thus be grateful for both friends and enemies because, thanks to them, Christ is preached.

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