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Daily Devotions

Philippians

Philippians 
Day 
Day 16

"For the furtherance of the gospel."

Text: Philippians 1:12

THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

The apostle Paul was deeply committed to the preaching of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. The following text offers a glimpse of the depth of his commitment to the gospel.

“But I want you to know, brethren, that the things
which happened to me have actually turned out
for the furtherance of the gospel.”
Philippians 1:12

1. “Brethren”

a) Paul’s bond of kinship with the Philippians may well be summarised by this word “brethren”.
b) This word of course includes women as well.
c) It is a word that describes the sense of “brotherhood” he felt with the Philippians.
d) The word “brethren” may be understood as being “family” with the Philippians.

2. “But I want you to know”

a) Paul was updating the Philippians as to his circumstances in life.
b) Part of a vital sense of brotherhood is to keep each other well-informed.

3. “The things which happened to me”

a) News about Paul would often be quickly disseminated among his circle of friends.
b) Sometimes news about Paul were wrongly conveyed, especially by his detractors.
c) Paul wanted to personally share with his Philippian brethren about the things that had happened.
d) By now news about his being imprisoned was already known to many.
e) Paul’s perspective of his imprisonment was truly unique.

4. “Have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel”

a) Paul did not focus on his imprisonment.
b) He had been imprisoned a number of times already and another announcement would not be surprising.
c) His focus was news that his imprisonment was turning out in favour of the gospel.
i) Imprisonment did not necessarily mean curtailment of the gospel ministry.
ii) Paul’s main concern was the spread of the gospel.
iii) His recent imprisonment in Rome was turning out better than he had expected it.
iv) The gospel was actually furthered through his imprisonment.
v) This thought brought great joy to the heart of this great apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ.