“…and I do not know which to choose.” (Philippians 1:22)
As Paul wrote his letter to the church at Philippi, he wrote as a prisoner awaiting trial. Paul was soon to have his day in court before Caesar, and Nero was a mercurial judge at best. Paul did not know which way the case would go. Caesar could pronounce him guilty and behead him on the spot, or Nero could pronounce him innocent, leaving Paul to walk out of court a free man. At the time of Paul writing this letter, he did not know what the outcome would be, and even more surprisingly, Paul wasn’t even sure what outcome he would prefer.
I’m not sure which idea I find more profound – that Paul would be excited at the possibility of being beheaded because his faith and conviction in Christ was so strong that death was a welcome friend and an embracing of the hope he held so dear OR that Paul would love the brethren so much that his desire to serve and help them would convince him to postpone his journey to Paradise in order to serve a few more years down here amongst the wheat and tares of this broken world.
May we all attain to the level of faith that welcomes death with hope in our eyes but also relishes another day to serve and shine in this dark world.
Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites
Today’s Reading: Philippians 1:21-30
Questions to ask:
- How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
- What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
- How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
- What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
- How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?
This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul. If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision