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And all the rest of God's people send you greetings, too, especially those in Caesar's household. Philippians 4:22 NLT
The apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians three centuries before the Roman Empire officially adopted Christianity. But the faith was already planted in “Caesar’s household.”
Rome, with its pagan beliefs and emperor worship, was no friend—and often a powerful enemy—of Christianity. Paul wrote Philippians while imprisoned in the city, awaiting trial before the emperor. Many believe that was the infamous Nero, who ultimately had the apostle beheaded.
But during his stay in Rome, “what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel,” Paul wrote. “As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ” (Philippians 1:12-13). By his cheerful submission to unfair treatment from Jesus’ enemies, Paul had a powerful effect behind enemy lines.
The same can be true of us. In a world so clearly darkened by Satan, the light of Christ in our lives should shine all the brighter. If we’re “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20), we’ll have opportunities—like Paul—to point a member of Caesar’s household or a Philippian jailer (Acts 16) to the Lord.
God is working in all times and places. Let’s be sure we join Him.
Prayer: Here I am, Lord…use me behind enemy lines.
The apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians three centuries before the Roman Empire officially adopted Christianity. But the faith was already planted in “Caesar’s household.”
Rome, with its pagan beliefs and emperor worship, was no friend—and often a powerful enemy—of Christianity. Paul wrote Philippians while imprisoned in the city, awaiting trial before the emperor. Many believe that was the infamous Nero, who ultimately had the apostle beheaded.
But during his stay in Rome, “what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel,” Paul wrote. “As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ” (Philippians 1:12-13). By his cheerful submission to unfair treatment from Jesus’ enemies, Paul had a powerful effect behind enemy lines.
The same can be true of us. In a world so clearly darkened by Satan, the light of Christ in our lives should shine all the brighter. If we’re “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20), we’ll have opportunities—like Paul—to point a member of Caesar’s household or a Philippian jailer (Acts 16) to the Lord.
God is working in all times and places. Let’s be sure we join Him.
Prayer: Here I am, Lord…use me behind enemy lines.
