Philippians 1:12-19

Read through Philippians 1:12-19. Remember that Paul is imprisoned in Rome, not because of any crime, but because of his faith in Christ. As you read, jot down any questions you have or any details that stand out.

A Closer Look:
Observation #1: Paul is a prisoner and was constantly guarded by a soldier.

• They say that each guard was with him for six hours. That’s up to four different guards every day.
• Does it surprise you that Paul is leading the guards to Christ? Think back to Acts 16… Paul led the jailer and his entire family to Christ.

Observation #2: Paul was able to encourage the Christians in Rome.

• Paul’s example – his perseverance and joy, even while he was a prisoner – encouraged the Christians in Rome to share the Gospel.
• When Paul wrote that the Roman Christians were telling others about Christ, the phrase refers to an “everyday conversation,” not to preaching.

Observation #3: Paul wasn’t the only one preaching and teaching in Rome.

• Some people continued Paul’s work and preached the Good News in order to lead others to Christ.
• There were also some people who preached the Good News with selfish motives. Yet, even though these people had selfish motives, Paul still rejoiced at the outcome – people were coming to Christ.

Read through Philippians 1:12-19 again.

Even though Paul was illegally arrested and put in prison, even though he had been in prison for over two years, even though people in Rome were preaching the Good News with selfish motives… still Paul rejoiced. His focus was on helping people come to Christ. That’s all that mattered to him.

Questions:

1. Based on what we’ve read about Paul so far (in Acts 16 and in Philippians 1:1-19), how would you describe him? What stands out about him?
2. Imagine what it must have been like to be the guard, chained to Paul for six hours… as Paul writes letters to the believers in other cities, as he visits with people in Rome, as he prayed and sang hymns. What would be going through your mind? What questions would you want to ask him?
3. The believers in Rome shared Christ through their everyday conversations. How comfortable would you be talking about Christ to your friends? to the people you work with? to your family?
4. Verse 19 shows us that Paul counted on the prayers of the Philippian believers. Do you believe it’s important to pray for other people? How do you feel when you know that others are praying for you?
5. What can we learn about God from this passage?

Challenge: Read through Acts 21:17-28:31 to learn more about how Paul ended up as a prisoner in Rome. As you read, make a timeline – list the city where Paul is at, the major events that happened while he was there, and the people that he encounters.

(Feel free to comment and discuss this passage of Scripture by clicking on the “comments” link below.)