God’s Purpose in Paul’s Imprisonment – Philippians 2:19-30; Part 8.

What was God’s purpose in Paul’s Imprisonment? Mark demonstrates that God wanted to show that He could bring good from evil.

God’s Purpose in Paul’s Imprisonment

In this episode, Part 8, we’ll explore God’s purpose in Paul’s imprisonment as we continue studying this heartfelt letter of the Apostle Paul to the saints in Philippi, whom he deeply loved. I’ll be reading from Philippians 2:19–30, using the New Living Translation.

If the Lord Jesus is willing, I hope to send Timothy to you soon for a visit. Then he can cheer me up by telling me how you are getting along. I have no one else like Timothy, who genuinely cares about your welfare. All the others care only for themselves and not for what matters to Jesus Christ. But you know how Timothy has proved himself. Like a son with his father, he has served with me in preaching the Good News. I hope to send him to you just as soon as I find out what is going to happen to me here. And I have confidence from the Lord that I myself will come to see you soon.

Meanwhile, I thought I should send Epaphroditus back to you. He is a true brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier. And he was your messenger to help me in my need. I am sending him because he has been longing to see you, and he was very distressed that you heard he was ill. And he certainly was ill; in fact, he almost died. But God had mercy on him—and also on me, so that I would not have one sorrow after another. So I am all the more anxious to send him back to you, for I know you will be glad to see him, and then I will not be so worried about you. Welcome him in the Lord’s love and with great joy and give him the honor that people like him deserve. For he risked his life for the work of Christ, and he was at the point of death while doing for me what you couldn’t do from far away. (NLT)

Paul knew who he could count on.

When Paul Needed Someone

When Paul needed Timothy and Epaphroditus, he knew he could depend on them. He was confined to a Roman prison at the time, yet that didn’t stop him from ministering to the saints or preaching the gospel. His cell became a hub/the headquarters of his ministry.

We might think that it was a shame his mission was hindered, as bars inhibited him from being able to visit and be involved with people firsthand… but if it wasn’t for Paul’s imprisonment, would men like Timothy and Epaphroditus have had the opportunities to stretch and grow in their service and connection with the church in Philippi and others?

Paul’s Reprsentatives

These men became Paul’s representatives; his aids in continuing to carry on the Lord’s work. It’s a good lesson for anyone who is in a position of church leadership or authority- to purpose themselves to stand back and let, or even force others to get involved or take something on that will advance them in their service for the Lord.

This is an essential aspect of discipleship. If others are not being challenged and stretched to expand or hone their talents, skills, and Spiritual Gifts, we cannot expect our local churches to be prepared for the future.

God Had Arranged Paul’s Imprisonment

Looking at it from this perspective, it’s clear that God had arranged Paul’s imprisonment with a greater purpose in mind. We can relate the verse of Genesis 50:20 to this situation, as the religious leaders and those who wanted to see Paul silenced meant evil, and it would have appeared that with Paul set aside, his message would be hindered, but that was actually far from the case.

What they intended for evil, God used for good; the church grew, and the Word of Truth went further than it ever had. The Lord had put Paul in prison not to discourage him, but to use him in ways far greater than he would, had he remained a free man.

Hindered Ministry

That’s a hard reality for Paul, but very true, and maybe it’s the same for you? Do you ever feel like your ministry and service for the Lord is hindered? Consider Paul; with great resilience of faith, he used the resources he had and wrote four of his thirteen epistles while in confinement: Ephesian, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon.

If it were not for these four “prison epistles,” how many pivotal spiritual insights would our bible be lacking? May this open our eye’s and widen our view of what the Lord has called us to do. It’s easy to box ourselves into a specific ministry, and at times we face discouragement when obstacles arise. In those moments, take it to the Lord and ask Him for renewed vision and broader insight.

Paul was imprisoned at least three times. On some occasions, he endured harsh and difficult conditions, while at other times he was placed under house arrest and lived in relative comfort.

How Paul Networked

The verses we are looking at in this episode are an excellent example of how Paul networked, causing many others like Timothy and Epaphroditus to take on responsibilities and roles that might not have happened otherwise.

He used men that he knew he could depend on, to be the ambassadors he knew would do so for the glory of God and for the sake of the truth. They risked their lives, suffered hardships as they delivered Paul’s letters; they became his feet, hands, eyes and ears. Fellow helpers who were outstanding in character, integrity and especially having hearts for the people. Genuine brothers, co-workers and fellow soldiers.

Paul needed such people then and they are needed just as much today in our churches!

Are You Dependable

How about you? Are you dependable? Do you affirm your willingness to do what might be asked of you, or do you refuse, thinking someone else would do it better or you just don’t feel like it? Are you willing to stretch yourself and try something new? If not, you will stagnate and lose your effectiveness to be used in service for the Lord’s glory.

I’ll wrap up with a classic saying, one that you have maybe heard before:

“God does not begin by asking us about our ability, but only about our availability. If we then prove our dependability, He will increase our capability.” Neal A. Maxwell

Is your ministry hindered? Who are your helpers? We would to hear from you. Comment below or contact us at HopeStreamRadio.