Rejoicing More Abundant Philippians 1:26

As Paul the apostle sat in a Roman prison, he wrote to the church members in Philippi. He responded to a gift and report that their pastor Epaphroditus brought to him from the church, and he shared with them his joy over their faith in Jesus Christ. As he wrote, Paul knew that he might die for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ which would be a gain to him, however, if he lived, he knew the church members would benefit by his staying alive. In chapter one and verse twenty-six Paul tells of another advantage to the church in Philippi if he continued to live. He wrote:

That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.

The verse begins, “That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me...” This is yet another time that Paul uses the word “rejoice”, “joy” or “rejoicing” while writing to the Philippians. We can almost hear in Paul's tone how happy he is over their state. Paul knew that by staying alive “your rejoicing may be more abundant” which means “their glorying and boasting” would “exceed a fixed number of measure, to be left over and above a certain number or measure, abound, and overflow”. This overflowing would not be just because Paul stayed alive, but would be“in Jesus Christ for me”. In other words Paul knew that if he stayed alive, the church would have another way to rejoice in “Jesus Christ” because the Lord's divine providence would have saved him.

The verse goes on to say, “...by my coming to you again.” Paul includes the evidence of their rejoicing - “coming to you again”. Paul knew if he were to appear before the church members in Philippi the people would be exceedingly blessed, and they would rejoice in Jesus Christ because of it. Paul's hope and desire was that the church would continue to abound in their relationship with Jesus Christ, and if he was able to be with them and share once again, they would rejoice in Him all the more.

As we think on these words of Paul, it is interesting to note the relationship that Paul had with these church members. He knew they cared for him so much that they would rejoice in Jesus Christ if he were to continue among them. Do we have people like this in our lives? Are there people who rejoice in the fact that we continue to live? Do we have such a depth of relationship with others that they rejoice in Jesus Christ because of our presence? Would they have such hope and expectation as these who were in Philippi just for the survival of the person who brought them the gospel in the first place? As we meditate upon God's word, may the Lord Jesus help us to know and be among people whose “rejoicing may be more abundant” just because we are living among them.

Next time Paul shares about the way the Philippians are to be living, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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