Christ is Preached

Commentary

Evangelist and Bible teacher Wendell Calder entitles this book “Praise from Prison.” One of the biggest robbers of joy in the Christian life is circumstances. In this passage Paul stresses the fact that there are no accidents with God. His confinement was doing what his circumstances outside of prison could never do. First of all he was having an opportunity to minister to the whole palace guard (vv. 12-13). Also many who had been reluctant about speaking up for Christ were gaining courage as they witnessed Paul’s boldness in his difficult circumstances (v. 14). Think of how many books of the Bible he wrote from jail that he would have never of had time to do if he had not been in jail.

It is hard to believe that anyone would oppose Paul but some did. It seems that there were even some believers who for some unknown reason did not love the apostle or appreciate his work. It says that they preached Christ out of envy and rivalry (v. 15). It appears that they were doctrinally sound but they promoted themselves. Perhaps these people belonged to the “legalistic” wing of the church. Instead of asking, “Have you trusted Christ?” they asked, “Whose side are you on – ours or Paul’s?"  Unfortunately this same kind of thing happens in the church today. Paul rejoiced whether they preached Christ in pretense or in truth (vv. 16-18). We should be glad if God uses their message regardless of their motives. Paul’s prayer was that he would speak courageously (vv. 19-20).

Application

Paul rejoiced that the Gospel was being preached, even though it may have been for wrong reasons by some (v. 18). I should always rejoice when God uses other people, regardless of their motives.