Chains That Set the Gospel Free

Paul writes from prison — but instead of despair, he shares astonishing news: what happened to him has actually served to ADVANCE the gospel! Because of his chains, the guards and everyone around have heard about Christ, and many believers have been encouraged to speak God's Word more courageously.

Some people were even preaching Christ out of selfish rivalry, hoping to make Paul's imprisonment harder — but Paul doesn't care about their motives. 'What does it matter?' he says. 'The important thing is that in every way... Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice!' Then Paul shares one of his most famous lines: 'For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.' He's torn between two good things — staying to keep helping the Philippians grow, or going to be with Christ, which would be far better for himself personally.

But Paul decides it's more necessary for them that he continues living and serving. Even chained to a wall, awaiting trial, Paul's entire identity was so wrapped up in Christ that prison couldn't shrink his joy or his usefulness.