… whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.
Summary: Paul, writing from prison, talks about sharing in the grace of God. This leads us to wonder about what “grace” is and what it means.
Have you ever noticed that whatever you are looking for, you always find it in the last place you look? It’s funny because it is true! It is also “funny” (odd) because sometimes the last place we look is the last place we would ever think to look.
For example, whoever thought the world would be saved by someone crucified by the Romans two thousand years ago?
Crucifixions were not something you would watch if you didn’t need to. People who were crucified were considered the scum of the earth. They were mocked, tortured, beaten, and dragged out of town to a place that smelled of death. People traveling along the road wouldn’t dally. The screams of pain could not have been pleasant to listen to.
If the crucifixions had been a billboard, the message emblazoned in blood-red colors would have said something like “THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS TO THOSE WHO DISOBEY.” The Romans didn’t like people disobeying them.
People in prison were in a similar situation. The fact that they were in prison was a message to others. People in prison became the message, “DON’T DISOBEY!”
The message was vulgar, crude, and horrifying. It would be natural to shrink away as you passed by, just as one would give a wide berth to a rattlesnake on the road. Danger and unpleasantness are things to be avoided.
Yet, here in the upside-down world of Christianity, we find hope at the crucifixion of Jesus, and God’s grace in the prison where Paul is in chains (2 Corinthians 12:9).
What does this mean?
Prison and crucifixion are what we deserve. Not because we have disobeyed human laws or Roman rules, but because we have failed to love God above all else. In the Garden of Eden, it was easy to love God. Human eyes had not yet been opened to wanting to “be like God, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:5). We hadn’t yet learned to compete with God. All we knew how to do was depend on him, trust him, and love him.
The last place we would look for grace is a Roman killing ground or a Roman prison. Yet, because of God’s infinite mercy, we find grace. God is willing to let us live in the hope that we will return to him. He is willing to send his Son, Jesus, to the cross to take the hit for us (Romans 5:8). He does this knowing that we don’t deserve it and may not even appreciate it. He does it hoping that we will turn and come home. This is called grace.
Application: Recognize God’s grace for what it is.
Food for Thought: How can Paul think he is sharing in God’s grace while confined in prison?
I think Paul was so heavenly minded that everything on earth was secondary to his salvation and the proclamation of the gospel. We can share in the grace of God in our salvation no matter the situation. And we can share in the proclamation, spreading the truth and need for God’s grace in every situation. That is what Paul modeled.
Colossians 3: 1 – 4: Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your a life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Thank you Rich!
Paul understands God’s priorities!
I think Paul clearly knew that his continued existence on Earth in any circumstances was because of God’s grace. If God had given Paul, and us, the justice that we deserved, we would be separated from Him for eternity. Paul knew he had been on a path toward death and it was only through God’s grace, Christ’s intervention and redemption, that he was able to share the Gospel of Christ.
I think personally too, albeit with some speculation, that Paul may have recognized that God placed Him there so he could write these letters. He may not (or may) have envisioned that his letters would be read 2000 years later, but I do believe he knew that they would impact the Body of Christ.
Great points, Chris!
You may be right about Paul knowing his words would be read. He talks about swapping letters with other churches. Clearly he intended that he convey Christ’s instructions to the believers!
How can Paul think he is sharing in God’s grace while confined in prison?
1.) As a Pharisee, of the Pharisees, Paul had studied, applied and lived by Gods words recorded in the Old Testament.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6
2.) Paul recorded and lived by God’s revealed truths in the New Testament. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28, 13:1, Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Hebrews 12:2
3.) We must embrace Gods Sovereignty in all circumstances.
For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through
him and for him. Colossians 1:16
Our God is in heaven, he does whatever pleases him. Psalm 115:3
God’s sovereignty means that He is in complete control of everything in the universe. This includes His power, authority, and purpose, ruling over all things for the good of His people and His glory. Nothing happens that our God has not approved for His
Glory and purposes in our lives. Knowing, living in the increasing knowledge and obedience to Gods sovereign will over our own, brings peace in all circumstances. Their may be momentary pain associated with His will for our lives, but this will turn to strength as we focus on and live in the fact that Gods will is being done, and we find peace knowing His will, His purposes are being fulfilled in our lives. Serve God no matter what the momentary earthly circumstances may be.
Thank you Ron!
I remember well your story about your son. Accepting God’s sovereignty puts all kinds of things in perspective.
Grace is a relief, knowing that God will meet me where I am, even at my lowest, despite my faults .
You know, Tim, you have a way with words!
Well said!