A Prisoner for Christ
It has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ.
Philippians 1:13
The apostle Paul always saw himself as a prisoner because of Christ—never because of crime. He was in chains because he believed in, preached, and represented Jesus Christ.
From the point of view of Rome, Paul was a captive chained to a Roman guard. But from Paul’s perspective, the Roman guards were captives chained to him! The result of such close confinement was that the cause of Christ had “become evident to the whole palace guard.” Far from being a burdensome condition, Paul had been given the opportunity to witness for Christ to each guard assigned to him, at six hours a stretch.
What did those soldiers see? They saw Paul’s godly character, graciousness, patience, love, wisdom, and conviction. As members of the palace guard were converted, salvation spread beyond them to “those who are of Caesar’s household” (Phil 4:22). No matter how difficult it may appear on the surface, no one is too difficult to reach with the gospel.
MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 365). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.
Listen to this entry
Philippians 1:13
The apostle Paul always saw himself as a prisoner because of Christ—never because of crime. He was in chains because he believed in, preached, and represented Jesus Christ.
From the point of view of Rome, Paul was a captive chained to a Roman guard. But from Paul’s perspective, the Roman guards were captives chained to him! The result of such close confinement was that the cause of Christ had “become evident to the whole palace guard.” Far from being a burdensome condition, Paul had been given the opportunity to witness for Christ to each guard assigned to him, at six hours a stretch.
What did those soldiers see? They saw Paul’s godly character, graciousness, patience, love, wisdom, and conviction. As members of the palace guard were converted, salvation spread beyond them to “those who are of Caesar’s household” (Phil 4:22). No matter how difficult it may appear on the surface, no one is too difficult to reach with the gospel.
MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 365). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.
Listen to this entry
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