Philippians 1:19 – For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
Paul knew that the plans and purposes of God would never be thwarted, even though believers may be called upon to endure suffering and persecutions, inflicted by fellow-believers. Paul reckoned that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us – and so while incarcerated in a prison cell, he was able to write: for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers – and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.
What a gracious attitude we discover in the apostle Paul. He did not harbor bitterness against those that oppressed and opposed him, but demonstrated godly love, and a desire to see the gospel of God spread far and wide – whether it was preached from a heart of goodwill (that reflected the spirit of Christ) or taught due to envy, contention and jealously of Paul’s, God-ordained ministry.
Although Paul vehemently opposed, challenged and corrected the many false gospels that were infiltrating the Christian Church.. he had learned the lesson that all things work together for good.. to those that are the called, according to God’s good purpose.
At this point, Paul is possibly facing death. Yet he knows that his life, his future, is secure in the Lord’s hands. The Holy Spirit will help empower him to be what he needs to be in the face of persecution and hardship. The Spirit will also work for his deliverance; either he will be delivered from prison and death to serve others, or he will be delivered into the presence of the Lord he loves. Either way, he awaits and expects deliverance!
