I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. ~ Philippians 1:12-14
Paul is in prison as he writes this letter. The book of Philippians focuses on rejoicing despite Paul's circumstances. Yet he says in the verses above, that his imprisonment has "really served the advance of the gospel." As I'm writing this, quarantine regulations are becoming stricter and more enforced. It feels for many of us, like our own imprisonment.
We can learn a lot from Paul, in the context he's writing from. Our imprisonment in our own homes can still serve to advance the gospel. Not only does Paul recount his own success, but also proclaimed that "the brothers" are also more bold to share the news as well.
Later in his later he states the famous quote, "For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Phil. 1:21). He goes on to say that if he should die, there is nothing better than to be with the Lord. Yet, he adds, it is "more necessary" to live so that he can serve others. "Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again."
Paul is facing death throughout his ministry, yet he says that there is nothing to fear. There is only gain if he dies and to live means he can continue the work he's been called to. We are given that same fearlessness. We don't have to live in anxiety or worry, God has empowered us to take care of each other and ourselves; and should we fall sick and die, there is only salvation to gain. Know that God did not send this virus on us. Know that through His power, we can do His work, even in isolation.
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