Reassurance

I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, (Philippians 1:12 ESV)

As we read this letter from Paul to the Philippians we are touched by his love for them. It is a very personal and affectionate epistle. Because Paul knows them, and knows human nature, he is concerned about their faith and wants to give them some assurances.

Let's try to put ourselves in their shoes. They are obviously concerned about Paul and his well-being. They have taken a collection, even sacrificed, to supply some of his needs while in prison. They have sent one of their own, Epaphroditus, not only to bring Paul this gift, but also to remain, if necessary, and minister to Paul while he is there. Concern for him is at the forefront of their minds.

But there is likely more going on than this. These saints at Philippi are all relatively recent converts to the faith. It has been at the most ten years since Paul and company founded this church in Acts 16. Now that the Church is facing adversity and persecution they may be entertaining doubts. What if God is not really in this? What if it all isn't true? What if they've bought into a lie? After all, if this is a work of God, then why is it that Paul seems to be defeated, silenced?

True, Paul and Silas were jailed the very first time they came to Philippi, so the concept of opposition is not new to the Philippians. But that first time Paul was jailed he was miraculously released and even apologized to before he left the city. Not this time. This time Paul has been imprisoned for several years. An imprisonment that began in Jerusalem has extended itself to Rome with no end in sight. Further, the Empire, it seems, has turned against the Church it once tolerated. If God is for them, if this is a work of God, then why are they experiencing so much adversity? And if the gospel Paul preaches is indeed the gospel of God, then why has God silenced him? Could Paul be wrong? Or if Paul is right, is God powerless against the might of Rome? Maybe God just doesn't care.

Add to that the fact, as internal evidence would indicate, that these Philippians themselves are beginning to suffer persecution for their faith, and that from the very Empire of which they are citizens. At the moment, some might point out that the Roman god (Caesar) seems to hold power over the Christian God (Jesus). What is going on?

Sitting there in that Roman prison Paul probably realizes that at least some of them may be having these thoughts, and so he writes to reassure them.

I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, (Philippians 1:12 ESV)

Say what? Paul, be real. You're in prison. You, who have preached the gospel to more people in more cities across more miles than anyone in history, have now been silenced, shut up in prison. And you're telling us that what has happened to you has really served to advance the gospel? How can that be?

But it is so.

Before we get into why this was so (and we will) I want to take a moment to reassure you. I don't know what your circumstances are, what adversity you might be experiencing, or what doubts you may be entertaining because of it, but I want you to know that God is still on his throne. God is still at work in the world. God is marching through history, through his Church, bringing glory and honor to his name. 1950 years have passed since Paul's imprisonment and the gospel has not been quenched. Indeed it has been preached all over the world and is even now being proclaimed to more people groups and in more places than ever before in history. And it still faces opposition. And that opposition will fail as it always does. And the Church will come out stronger because of it.

Take heart. Whatever you are facing, God is with you. He will not forsake you. His faithfulness is to all generations. And he will not rest until he has put all enemies under his feet.