Philippians 1:12-14
Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
Paul really sees the good in everything no matter his circumstances. He writes to the believers to let them know that even though he is in prison, the gospel is advancing and still being preached. Isn’t that amazing? What would normally be considered a terrible fate, being thrown in prison, God can actually use for his good and Paul rejoices in that. Paul discourses the two ways his imprisonment is actually good:
- Everyone around Paul in the prison has heard the gospel
- Others have undertaken the role to preach the gospel and have done so courageously and boldly.
Paul not only has the opportunity to present the gospel to those in the prison, which would not have happened had he not been in prison, but it has led others to heed the calling and also preach, going further and faster than Paul could do on his own. Paul is not down on his luck like most of us would be. He is rejoicing because the gospel is spreading even if he is not the one doing it.
Philippians 1:15-17
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.
There are two ways to preach the gospel truthfully: selfishly or selflessly. There were some going around preaching the gospel that had ulterior motives than doing it for God. They had selfish motives whether financial or to get back at Paul for one reason or another. What should be noted is that they are still preaching the truth. They are not teaching falsely but rather they are just not teaching for the right reasons though their message is true.
Philippians 1:18
But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
This is Paul’s response to those that teach selfishly. He doesn’t tell them to stop or they should change their ways. If he was not in prison, perhaps he might have some things to say but since he cannot talk to them he continues to let them preach. Not only that, he rejoices that they are preaching. Why? Because Christ is being preached and that is what matters most. Not our reputation or judgments upon someone else but rather Jesus Christ is spreading and that should be our top priority. He knows some of them are not teaching for the right reasons but he still rejoices because the truth is being taught. This we need to bear in mind when we complain about preachers or folks we have nothing to do with. If they are preaching the truth, let’s rejoice instead of judging.
Philippians 1:19
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.
Paul rejoices not only because Christ is preached but because he knows even though he is in a bad situation, he knows God will deliver him. Through the work of their prayers and the provision God gives through the Spirit, Paul will be delivered. Whether in this life or in the next, Paul will be delivered through the power of Christ.
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