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. Philippians 1:12-14

We live in a generation where most Churches are preaching a “prosperity gospel”, a false gospel that God will give you health, wealth, and happiness. Was this the same gospel that the Apostles preached? Paul here tells us about his persecution actually helped further the gospel of Christ. This is a concept that would be foreign to the modern day Church, that is mostly looking for luxury and idleness.

So you might ask, how did Paul’s suffering help further the gospel? Paul says “So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace and other places” Everyone who saw Paul being persecuted, understood that Paul was doing this because he had genuine faith in Christ. Paul wasn’t trying to sell snake oil or a book in his name, Paul was willing to suffer and die for the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

So what was the reaction by the Church? Paul said “And many brethren in The Lord, waxing confidence by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear”. The Church actually grew stronger and behaved more boldly when they saw Paul willing to risk his life to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

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. For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. Philippians 1:15-20

The Apostle Paul goes on to say there are many who are preaching Christ for the wrong reasons, we know there are alot of Churches and preachers today that use the name of Jesus as a business. And as the Apostle James said “Not everyone should become a teacher, because those who teach will receive a greater judgment” (James 3:1) But Paul is saying, don’t worry about those false preachers, the important thing is “Christ is preached”! 

Paul always says “Christ shall be magnified in my body” Everything we do should be for the glory of God, whether its suffering or rejoicing, our goal to to share the gospel of Jesus Christ , whatever we do make sure that Christ is preached! Amen!