Philippians 1:12 | Pastor Jerry A. Burns
But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; — Philippians 1:12
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Paul knew the believers at Philippi were likely troubled by his imprisonment. From a human point of view, it looked like a setback. The great preacher of the Gospel was sitting in chains. The man who longed to carry the message into new places was now confined. It would have been easy for the church to wonder why God would allow such a thing to happen to one of His choicest servants.
But Paul wanted them to understand something important: what looked like a hindrance had actually become a help. The things that had happened to him had fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel. The idea is that God had put these events into their proper place for a greater purpose. What men meant as restraint, God used as advancement.
This is one of the great lessons of the Christian life. There are seasons when we do not understand what God is doing. We imagine one path, and He appoints another. We think surely this door should open, and instead it closes. But Paul teaches us here that God is never confused about our circumstances. Romans 8:28 is not just a comforting slogan; it is a divine reality. God is able to arrange all things in such a way that even hardship becomes a servant of His purpose.
Paul had one great aim in life-to preach Christ. And now he is saying, in effect, “Brethren, do not pity me as though God’s plan has failed. God is still working. The Gospel is still moving. The Lord is still in control.”
The apostle was a prisoner at Rome; and to take off the offence of the cross, he shows the wisdom and goodness of God in his sufferings. These things made him known, where he would never have otherwise been known; and led some to inquire after the gospel. He suffered from false friends, as well as from enemies. How wretched the temper of those who preached Christ out of envy and contention, and to add affliction to the bonds that oppressed this best of men! The apostle was easy in
the midst of all. Since our troubles may tend to the good of many, we ought to rejoice. Whatever turns to our salvation, is by the Spirit of Christ; and prayer is the appointed means of seeking for it. Our earnest expectation and hope should not be to be honoured of men, or to escape the cross, but to be upheld amidst temptation, contempt, and affliction. Let us leave it to Christ, which way he will make us serviceable to his glory, whether by labour or suffering, by diligence or patience, by
living to his honour in working for him, or dying to his honour in suffering for him.