Turning Trials into Triumph: Paul’s Example in Philippians
Philippians 1:12 says, “I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.” (ESV)
I love the way Paul flips the script and reframes his time in prison in the letter of Philippians.
He doesn’t complain about his incarceration in a lonely, dingy prison cell. Instead, he rejoices in the progress being made in the eternal realm. What was meant to handcuff him physically was not able to shackle him spiritually. His prison became a platform where he could spread the Good News about Jesus.
Those nearest in proximity physically to Paul heard the gospel: the imperial guard. But the news of the gospel of Jesus didn’t stop there. The phrase “and to all the rest” shows the multiplying effect that occurred, ensuring even more people heard the salvation story.
Others were emboldened when they saw Paul use his chains as an invitation to preach. His Philippian friends weren’t reading a letter from a bewildered and panicked person questioning, “What has happened to me?” Those same words became a calm and insightful statement instead: “… what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.”
Paul’s prison became his platform, and others saw Jesus through his hard season of life.
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