Paul the apostle spent the
first few words of his epistle to the Philippian church greeting
them, commending them, and exhorting them in their love and
fellowship with one another. In chapter one and verse twelve he
shifts his topic to what has happened to him because of his
proclamation of the gospel, and the result of his persecution led to
the “furtherance of the gospel”. We read:
But
I would you should understand, brethren, that the things which
happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of
the gospel;
The
verse begins, “But I would you should understand,
brethren, that the things which happened unto me...”
Paul began this verse with the
word “But” which
is a disassociation conjunction which usually means that what is
about to be declared takes priority over what has just been
proclaimed. In this case Paul employs the word “but”
to change his subject. His desire is for the church at Philippi to
“understand” how
he views the things that have happened to him. We should note that he
calls them “brethren”
which shows Paul's level of affection toward them, and to serve as a
reminder, we recall that Paul was informed about the current
condition of the church at Philippi by their pastor “Epaphroditus”
who brought an offering to Paul who was imprisoned in Rome. More than
likely the church knew of Paul's present condition and expressed
their care and concern to him through their pastor. Paul acknowledged
their concern by helping them to “understand” “the
things which happened unto” him
which were no doubt difficulties Paul faced as he shared the gospel.
The
verse continues, “...have fallen out rather unto the
furtherance of the gospel;” In
light of all the troubles Paul faced, he wanted the church to know
the result was “the furtherance of the gospel;”. He
stated that they “have fallen out”
which means “to come into being, arise, come forth, show
itself, and find place or influence”. Yes, it was certain that Paul
endured hardships because he shared the gospel which is the “good
news” of salvation through Jesus Christ dying for our sins, and he
was in prison for proclaiming the gospel at the time of the writing
of this letter, but because these things “happened” to
him, the gospel found place and influence among more and more people.
“Rather” than suppressing the gospel as some desired by
imprisoning Paul, the spreading of the gospel grew.
As we think about these
words of Paul the apostle we might ask, what “things” have
“happened” to us that have “fallen out rather unto
the furtherance of the gospel”? Have we faced hardship,
difficulties, trials, or mistreatment? Have we suffered persecution
for sharing the gospel which resulted in the gospel growing among
people? If we were brought into a place of calamity, disaster or
misery because of our faith and trust in Jesus Christ, would we be
willing to face it so the gospel would go further? Perhaps as we
consider these questions we will not only have a great admiration of
Paul the apostle, but we will seek the Lord Jesus to use us in a
similar manner that His gospel may be known by more and more people
throughout the world.
Next
time Paul shares how widespread his bonds are known, so read ahead,
and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow...there is more...
Look
for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want
to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on
the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ;
www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
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