OUR FATHER WHO TURNS ALL THINGS FOR GOOD FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM AND ARE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSES.
In the first chapter of the apostle Paulˋs letter to the Philippians in verses 12 - 18, he describes his experience of being imprisoned and the effect that his imprisonment has had on the gospel.
His incarceration had the effect of making the story of Christ widely known even among the security staff who guarded him and in fact, other people who spoke of the gospel of Jesus, instead of being intimidated by Paulˋs imprisonment, became bolder in presenting the good news of Christ.
12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: 16 The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; 17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.
Paul also pointed out a phenomenon that emerged from his imprisonment where some people, out of envy of him, began to insincerly preach the gospel to inflame the political sentiments against Paul so that he would be in more jeopardy while in prison. Other people, in solidarity with Paul, sincerely preached the gospel to extend its reach because Paul, its main proponent, was in custody.
To Paul, preaching the gospel in insincerity or in sincerity has the same effect of spreading the good news of the Christ and because of this, he was gratified.
As the book of Romans chapter 2 verse 28 says; ˋAnd we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.ˋ
Amen.
2