ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

It's not how he would have planned it, but ...

Looking on the bright side, the Apostle Paul begins the meat of his letter to the Philippians by outlining positive effects of his recent imprisonment. 

Just because he has been sidelined from preaching and teaching the gospel of Christ freely as he might under ideal circumstances, doesn't mean the gospel itself has stalled.

In fact, his chains are serving the interests of the gospel in 3 powerful ways:

1. The name of Christ and the good news of His coming to set men free has been the talk of the palace. Paul has the opportunity to witness to a whole bunch of people who were otherwise unaware of Christ.
2. Local brothers and sisters within the church body are feeling emboldened to share the word of God fearlessly. Seeing their leader in chains for the crime of evangelism has prompted them to take to the streets themselves. That's counter-intuitive but it's also how people are.
3. As Christ is being preached, up and coming leaders are revealing their character. Some are trying to be helpful in Paul's absence. Others are using his absence as an opportunity to audition for the limelight, hoping to supplant his position of authority. 

In the end, as long as the gospel is spreading, Paul is happy. 

1:12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that my circumstances have actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, confident in the Lord by my chains, now dare more greatly to speak the word without fear.

15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so in love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former, however, preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can add to the distress of my chains.

18 What then is the issue? Just this: that in every way, whether by false motives or true, Christ is preached. And in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 because I know that through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, my distress will turn out for my deliverance.