Speak the word without fear.

Philippians 1:12-14, 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.

Paul saw clearly that his own situation was used to advance the gospel. He returned to Jerusalem even after being warned by others that he would be imprisoned, for he was following Christ. He was able to bring the gospel to the imperial guard of Caesar, where he would have never had access! And in doing so, he encouraged other brothers to be more bold in speaking the word. Are we willing to follow Christ like this and are we able to see all that happens as a part of His plan to advance the gospel?

Give us this same boldness to advance the gospel of Christ!

ESV Lectionary