Blooming for Christ Wherever You are Planted
1:13 so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else
In verses 13 and 14 Paul explains further how his imprisonment has "turned out for the greater progress of the gospel." Here in v.13 he explains the impact it has had on non-believers. What he is saying here is that the gospel has been advanced in that it has become clear to even the unbelievers who know of his situation that he has been imprisoned on account of the gospel. As it says in the NIV: "it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ." This means that not only has the word spread about why he is in chains, but also that Paul has been involved in ministering to the guards themselves. This is further substantiated in 4:22 where Paul sends greetings from "all the saints, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household." In other words, not only has Paul been free during his house arrest to spread the gospel to those who were brought to him by Christians in Rome, he has also evangelized the guards themselves, and some apparently have been converted. At least one guard would have been left with Paul at all times, at four hour shifts, meaning six guards each day. They probably rotated this responsibility, and so Paul probably got to know most if not all of the imperial guards.
Isn’t this a great example of interpreting every place where God puts you as the place He has called you to minister? Isn’t this a great example of "taking advantage of every opportunity" (Eph.5:16)? Isn’t this a great example of loving your enemies? Isn’t this a great example of overcoming evil with good? Remember Paul said, "Brethren, join in following my example." (Phil.3:17)
O Lord my God, how many opportunities I have missed because I was not thinking about what You wanted me to do! How many folks I bump into regularly who have never heard me tell them about Christ! Lord, I know that it’s not just a matter of obedience, it’s a matter of my heart. There is something wrong in me, dear Father. If my heart were full of Christ, if my heart were full of His truth and His love, I would be compelled to talk to others about Your gospel of life. Lord, I want to do more than just become more disciplined in this, though I do want that as well. I want to become more full of Your Holy Spirit! I want to be the kind of person that everyone knows is a man of God, even the first time they meet me. Only You can do this, Father. Please fill me with Your Son! May I decrease and may He increase in me!