Philippians 1:12-14
Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has rally served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.
Reflection
The Apostle Paul continued sharing the good news of Jesus even when he was under house arrest. To whom was he testifying of the good news of Jesus Christ? He was sharing Jesus with those who were guarding him. Technically, Paul was a prisoner of Caesar so Paul was guarded by the soldiers that were a part of the palace guard. There is evidence, here and in other places in Paul’s letters, that some of the palace guard responded to Paul’s message concerning Jesus and became disciples. There is also evidence in Paul’s writings that members of the palace guard shared the news about Jesus with other people in the palace. Even Caesar’s palace household had people who had responded to the news of Jesus and had become disciples.
Paul also indicates that because he is willing to testify to the Gospel of Jesus Christ that other Christians have been encouraged to speak the word of God courageously and fearlessly. That’s an important thought. When we are willing to proclaim Christ without fear then that encourages other Christians to do the same. Making disciples by spreading the good news of Jesus is something that all followers of Jesus should be doing, and as we do that we will be encouraging others to share the good news as well.
Do our lives encourage others to be bold and share the good news of Jesus with those who are not yet followers of Jesus?
