I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.
Philippians 1:12-13
Our most difficult circumstances are never a mistake. Look at how Paul found his most limiting situation to be an actual display of God’s liberating truth. Yes, when Paul wrote to the Philippian church he was in prison in Rome. Yet that was hardly a concern in regards to effective ministry. It meant he wrote more, which gave us much of our New Testament. And imprisonment did not stop the gospel. Look at how Paul describes it…
The gospel advanced. The confines of Roman prison did not stop Paul from committing to preaching the gospel. He kept proclaiming the gospel at every opportunity. In his case, a brand new mission field opened up among his fellow prisoners and guards. Paul saw it as a means to advance the gospel. Imagine how our worldview would change if we just saw adversity as a means of advancement!
The gospel was made known. People heard the truth. People responded to Jesus as Lord and Savior. A revival broke out in Rome’s highest security facility! The entirety of the elite Roman imperial guard, the equivalent of special forces and secret service agents today, knew that Paul preached Jesus. There were no limits! A new group of people were familiar with Jesus because of Paul. And Paul was happy to be in those circumstances.
Lord,
Let me face any difficulty with the truth in view. Jesus, I will seek to make You known, no matter what! May the gospel always advance wherever You place me.
Amen
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