Even though he is writing from a prison cell, the Apostle Paul tells the followers of Christ at Philippi that he has much in which to rejoice. In chapter 1, verses 18-26 he writes, “…I rejoice in this, yes, and will rejoice. For I know that this will turn out to my salvation, through your supplication and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will in no way be disappointed, but with all boldness, as always, now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will bring fruit from my work; yet I don’t know what I will choose. But I am in a dilemma between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Yet, to remain in the flesh is more needful for your sake. Having this confidence, I know that I will remain, yes, and remain with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, that your rejoicing may abound in Christ Jesus in me through my presence with you again.”
One of the things for which Paul rejoices are the prayers which have been offered on his behalf. There are many concepts of prayer. Some people think that a prayer consists of ritual phrases which are said to extol God’s glory or to ask for His mercy. Others regard prayer as a duty or a work which will earn merit. For the follower of Christ, prayer is a conversation between a child and his loving heavenly Father. An aspect of prayer which we often overlook is its effect upon other people. The Apostle Paul was encouraged because he knew that people were praying for him. As a result, he was able to rejoice and praise God. Do my prayers encourage other people? Are they able to rejoice as a result of my prayers?
Another thing in which Paul rejoices is the help given by the Spirit of Christ. Jesus told His disciples, “…they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you up to synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for my name’s sake. It will turn out as a testimony for you. Settle it therefore in your hearts not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to withstand or to contradict.” (Luke 21:12-15)
Paul writes that he knows that what has happened will result in his salvation. But the word he uses can be taken two ways. Does he mean that he we be delivered from prison, or does he mean that he will gain final victory over sin? Perhaps he means both things. If Paul is convicted of the crimes of which he is accused, he will face the death penalty. If he is acquitted, he will be released. In either case, whether he is released or executed, he will leave his prison behind. If he is executed, he will not only leave his cell but will also leave this world with its sin and temptations and will be with Christ.
This raises an aspect of prayer that is worth considering. When we pray for deliverance from some problem, we usually want God to remove the problem. For example, if we are ill we want healing. If we are in debt, we want money to pay it. God may answer differently than we expect. Instead of removing the problem from us, God may remove us from the problem. In either case, God has answered the prayer. In Paul’s situation, his execution is just as much an answer to the prayers for his release as his being let go.
Paul is not concerned about which way God will answer the prayers on his behalf. On the contrary his concern is that whether he lives or dies, he will not be disappointed (ashamed NIV) and that Christ will be exalted. This brings us to a very important point. What is the purpose of our lives? For Paul it was to exalt Christ. He was willing to accept either life or death as long as it would bring glory to Christ. What is important to us?
Another factor in Paul’s view of his situation was his concern for the people to whom he was writing. He wanted the prayers on his behalf to be answered in the way which would be best for them. Paul realized that people still needed him. He knew that his remaining alive would help people to continue to grow in their faith and their joy in Christ Jesus. (1:25) For this reason Paul was confident that he would be released from prison even though his personal preference was to die and be with Jesus.
Paul reminds his readers, however, that we should not let circumstances determine our conduct. Regardless of the outcome of his trial, the people needed to conduct themselves as true followers of Christ. In verses 27 through 30 he writes: “Only let your way of life be worthy of the Good News of Christ, that, whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your state, that you stand firm in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the Good News; and in nothing frightened by the adversaries, which is for them a proof of destruction, but to you of salvation, and that from God. Because it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer on his behalf, having the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear is in me.”
What does it mean to conduct oneself “in a manner worthy of the Good News of Christ”? One thing which Paul mentions is to ‘stand firm.’ In the Greek language this is a military term which pictures a guard standing at his post. In other words, as Paul writes elsewhere, the follower of Christ will not allow himself to be “…tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind of doctrine…” (Ephesians 4:14) Instead he will do everything he can in order to defend the message of Jesus Christ. Another thing which Paul emphasizes as conduct worthy of the gospel is unity. We see this in the phrases “in one spirit” and “with one soul” (NIV, “contending as one man”). Here, the word Paul uses refers to a sports team in which all the players cooperate together in order to win the victory.
What is the result when Christ’s followers stand firm in their faith and are united? It enables them to face those who oppose them without fear. When the followers of Christ refuse to be intimidated it is a sign that their opponents will be destroyed while, in contrast, God is with, and will save the Christian.
Paul ends this section by saying that it is a privilege to suffer for Christ. Christ has done so much for us that we should be glad to endure anything for Him. Paul also reminds his readers that what they are going through is not unique, but is the same struggle that he, himself, is going through.