But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; so that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; and many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: the one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: but the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. Philippians 1:12-18

Let’s set the context of our text passage for today’s admonition.

*Paul ministered at Philippi during his second missionary journey, spending about three months in the city. The ministry at Philippi marked Paul’s entrance into Macedonia, which came about as a result of a vision he had in the city of Troas, just across the north-eastern corner of the Aegean Sea from the port city of Neapolis and its close neighbour Philippi (Acts 16:8–12). During this first stay in Philippi, he later briefly visited the city on his third missionary journey (20:6), Paul brought to faith in Christ people who would form the core of the burgeoning congregation in the city. Among them were Lydia, the businesswoman who opened her home to Paul and his co-workers (16:13–15), and the Philippian jailer, who was converted under Paul’s ministry after an earthquake miraculously broke open the prison (16:22–34).

It is to this church that Paul wrote Philippians near the end of his Roman imprisonment in AD 61 or 62. Paul sent the letter by Epaphroditus, who had come to Paul in Rome with financial help from the church at Philippi (Philippians 2:25; 4:18). But during his time in Rome, Epaphroditus took ill, which delayed his return home and, therefore, the delivery of the letter (2:26–27) — *Insight For Living

A few things appear evident:

1. Paul’s imprisonment had become a subject of controversy bordering on his testimony, even amongst those who has closely worked with him,
2. Out of the controversy some saw them filling a void to their advantage; and
3. Some turned away from the faith!

What pain, what agony for the servant of God.

For the sake of those he had ministered to Paul had to restate his life objective, making Christ known, irrespective of people’s reaction. Some will in clear heart support and do the same while there will be those who see his incarceration as an opportunity to fill his space!

The key question we each must answer today—what impact has your life and mine made for Christ? For Paul, incarceration was no reason for withdrawal or resignation in self-pity. He soldiered on for the cause. Selah.



Pastor Afolabi Oladele