I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me.
Summary: Waiting to see how things go requires patience. Looking closely at Paul’s story reveals a man who had learned to wait.
In this passage, Paul appears to be waiting on some news. He has mentioned that he is in chains (Philippians 1:7), suggesting that he is in prison or house arrest. Maybe he is waiting on his court date?
Of course, it is impossible to know for sure.
One interesting clue is found at the end of his letter. He writes:
“All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.” (Philippians 4:22)
Does Paul know people in Caesar’s household?
Why?
The Book of Acts details Paul’s arrest in Jerusalem and the plot to take his life (Acts 23:12-22). It is this plot that causes the Roman guard to transport Paul to Caesarea, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Here is where the Roman Governor, Felix, is quartered. Paul is interviewed about the claims against him.
Two years later, still imprisoned, Paul is hauled out for another interview, this time before Governor Porcius Festus (Acts 25:1-12). Festus is inclined to find favor with the Jewish leaders by giving them Paul for a “trial” in Jerusalem. Paul, knowing that the Lord had already decided he would go to Rome (Acts 23:11), also knows what will happen if he is taken back to Jerusalem.
When Festus asks Paul if he is willing to go to Jerusalem, Paul employs a legal tactic that guarantees a trip to Rome. He cries out, “I appeal to Caesar!”(Acts 23:11)
Later, we learn that after two years in Caesarea, Paul spends another two years as a prisoner in Rome (Acts 28:30-31). Even though he was a prisoner, he was able to live in a rented house and be visited by friends.
Knowing Paul’s passion for advancing the Gospel, it is not hard to imagine that half the city knew about him and what he stood for. Some of the believers belonged to Caesar’s household.
While these are mostly breadcrumbs on the floor of history, they point to a relationship between Paul and Caesar’s house and the things that go on there. Whether officially or unofficially, he knew something that created the expectation that might finally get his freedom.
More than four years as a prisoner, all stemming from his visit to the Jerusalem temple and the opposition he faced there. Paul’s patience is inspiring!
Application: Trusting in the Lord is often a matter of waiting on the Lord.
Food for Thought: How does Paul’s attitude toward his imprisonment reflect his faith in Jesus Christ?
Thought: How does Paul’s attitude toward his imprisonment reflect his faith in Jesus Christ?
It is reflecting that his faith is strong and that he isn’t just waiting, he is spreading the Gospel and doing the Lord’s will where he’s at how he can. Teachings others and encouraging people by his letters.
Thanks Tim!
The ability to see opportunity in adversity is a God-given gift. 🙂
How does Paul’s attitude toward his imprisonment reflect his faith in Jesus Christ?
I believe Paul’s attitude toward his imprisonment (and suffering) was that it served the Gospel of Christ. Once Saul viewed himself as a defender of God’s law, now, through the transformative power of Christ, he viewed himself as bringing the Gentiles to Christ, and his imprisonment became his pulpit, of sorts. I think he recognized how his imprisonment brought glory to the Father through the Son, and it was his honor to serve.
Ephesians 3:1-13
1 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6 This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. 13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.
Well said, Chris.
Thank you!
Thanks brother. I agree with your historical rundown here. Good tracing of the biblical data which does suggest Paul is writing to Philippi from his Roman imprisonment.
Paul’s attitude while imprisoned always amazes me and challenges me. From singing while unjustly in stocks in a prison in Philippi, to the joy he writes about while under arrest, to his care for Onesimus in writing to Philemon on his behalf while in chains, to caring for the church and Timothy even when he knew he would die at a future imprisonment (2 Timothy) – his attitude is humbling to think about imitating. He sets a high bar.
Thank you, Rich.
He does, indeed!
How does Paul’s attitude toward his imprisonment reflect his faith in Jesus Christ?
Paul faith supports him as he fully understands, and lives his life knowing God is sovereign ALL THE TIME. All mankind has been created in the foreknowledge of God. Every moment, every event, every choice to be made throughout everyone’s life, is foreknown, by God. Paul lives in peace knowing God has foreknowledge and purpose of/for everything.
We in our natural state, limited knowledge, will worry about the many unknowns seen with change, and miss the many possibilities, opportunities in our new future. When we trust in Gods sovereignty, we find excitement in these new opportunities, adapt to the change and continue serving God rather than being influenced by circumstances. As we live in Gods sovereignty, we understand we exist on earth to minister as He calls, and to adjust our ministry to the circumstances being presented by our God.
Ephesians 1:11, In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will.
Romans 8:29, For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Thank you, Ron.
Well said!
Knowing Jesus is truly a perspective changing life!