Paul’s Joy in Christ

GOLDEN TEXT: “The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 4:7

PHILIPPIANS 1:12-27

PAUL’S letter to the Philippians was written while he was held as a prisoner in Rome, sometime during the two years in which he was permitted to dwell in his own hired house, although in the custody of guards. In his opening salutation he tells the brethren at Philippi that in his every prayer he thanked God for their “fellowship in the Gospel, from the first day until now.”

That “first day” was the occasion, when, answering the Macedonian call, Paul and Silas had gone to Philippi, and on the sabbath had found a devout group who had gone out from the city to a place of prayer. Among those who accepted the truth at that time was Lydia the “seller of purple.” Being a business woman, and enjoying the benefits of a large home, she invited Paul and his companions to be her guests.

Having first heard the truth from Paul, and having been so richly blessed by the service of this faithful apostle, it was but natural that they should be vitally interested in everything which happened to him. Under the circumstances they could easily have concluded that his imprisonment in Rome would seriously interfere with the spread of the Gospel. But Paul assured them that this was not so.

“I would ye should understand, brethren,” he wrote, “that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the Gospel.” Then he explains how this had come about. Many of the brethren who previously had been inactive, now became more confident and energetic in their ministry of the truth because of his bonds. Others, seeking to add to his burdens, preached Christ “of envy and strife.” Besides, although under guard himself, he was enjoying many opportunities of witnessing to those who visited him, and to the guards who watched over him. In this Paul greatly rejoiced, “Whether in pretense, or in truth,” he wrote, “Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.”

Paul was fairly confident that he would eventually be given his freedom, but was not sure. To him this did not make much difference, saying “I am in a strait betwixt two”—that is, whether he would be released and have the privilege of continuing in the service of the truth and the brethren, or whether he would remain a prisoner and eventually be executed.

But there was a third thing which he greatly desired, which was “to depart, and to be with Christ.” He knew, however, that this was not possible at that time. The Greek word here translated “depart” is more properly translated “return,” or “returning.” The thing which Paul desired above all else was the returning of Christ, and the privilege he knew all the faithful disciples would enjoy at that time of being with Christ. He doubtless had in mind Jesus’ promise, “If I go, … I will come again, and receive you unto myself.”—John 14:3

It was not possible for any of Jesus’ followers to be with him until after he returned. Later, when Paul knew that he was to be executed, he wrote to Timothy and said, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day: and not to me only, but all them also that love his appearing.”—II Tim. 4:7, 8

For Paul to continue to live and serve meant hardship of various sorts, so to die—even though it would be necessary to remain asleep in death until the return of the Lord—would be “gain.” Nevertheless, he was quite willing to continue serving because he knew it would be “more needful” for the brethren. This is a noble spirit of self-sacrifice and devotion which we will all do well to emulate.

Whether he could visit the Philippian brethren again or not, Paul wanted them to “stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the Gospel.” This is a timely admonition for all Christians. Our faithfulness to the Lord should not depend upon the association or ministry of any particular brother in Christ, although we can all be a great help to one another. Our responsibility is to the Lord, and he can keep us in his love and power even though circumstances require that otherwise we stand alone.

Our Golden Text reminds us that it is the “peace of God” which keeps our “hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” “Great peace have they who love thy law,” wrote the psalmist, “and nothing shall offend them.” (Ps. 119:165) To love God’s law includes an humble acceptance of his will and providences. In the case of the Philippian brethren, it implied the acceptance of the possibility that they might never see Paul again in the flesh. But even so, they could rejoice in the Lord, as Paul continued to rejoice.

QUESTIONS

Where was Paul when the wrote the Epistle to the Philippians?

Explain the circumstances of the “first day” to which he refers.

What was Paul’s motive in explaining that the Gospel was continuing to be preached even though he was a prisoner?

Did Paul expect to be immediately with the Lord when he died?

Explain the lesson of the Golden Text.

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