“But I want you to understand, brethren, that the things which have happened to me have fallen out rather to the furtherance of the Gospel…”– (Philippians 1:12).
Paul wrote these words from a prison in Rome. His prison time had not hindered the Gospel but advanced it! He had been brought before kings and rulers, just as the Lord foretold. The audiences at his trials held thousands of people, both Romans and Jews, that would never have heard the Gospel otherwise.
He wrote, “My bonds in Christ are manifest among all the Praetorian Guard, and in all other places.” Historians tell us the Praetorian Guard was ten-thousand strong of the best handpicked soldiers in Rome. They had double pay and special privileges and became so powerful that emperors had to court their favor. Paul had contact with one after another of these elite soldiers. Not only that, but many among Caesar’s own household came to know the Lord personally. At the end of his letter, Paul wrote… “All the saints greet you, especially they of Caesar’s household.” Who would have thought?!
I love this truth. What a marvelous turn of events to be able to say, even through our tears, “The things which have happened to me have fallen out rather to the furtherance of the Gospel.”
God is not the designer of our trials, but the Over-ruler of them. In His love and power, He works above our distressing circumstances, above the evil plans of the enemy, above the lies and persecutions of our world - for the Gospel, for our good, and for His glory. That’s a sweet pillow to lay our weary heads on.
“All things work together for good to those who have answered His call to share His purposes” (Romans 8:28) is His promise. Hallelujah!
Comments