By Jessica Patchett
When I think about sharing the good news of God with the world, I’ll admit that I often pretend like it should only be done if everyone can be happy about it and if no one gets hurt, least of all, me. But Paul’s time in Philippi suggest that sometimes, the gospel requires us to take a hit for God’s sake.
As the apostles spread the good news, we see all kinds of power struggles ensue. When Paul demands that the truth-telling spirit leave the slave woman, we might be quick to jump with joy that this woman is no longer bound to the men who make money off of her labor. But, without a useful skill, will this woman be left powerless and helpless? Are her slave owners equipped to know how to recover well from this loss? What happens next seems to suggest they aren't.
The slave owners took what power they did have and had Paul and Silas beaten publicly and thrown into jail, as if they were foreigners or slaves.
As Paul and Silas reflected on the big hit they took for God’s sake, they faced an opportunity to take another. Face to face with a jailer who thought that all hope was lost, Paul and Silas offered themselves and their fellow prisoners in exchange for his life. They stayed in prison to face an uncertain future, rather than allow the jailer to condemn himself to death.
Seeing what Paul and Silas had done, the jailer asked about the source of this extraordinary act and offered himself and his family to be baptized into God’s family.
Paul and Silas took a hit for the sake of the gospel, but they weren't pushovers. When they were released from prison, they insisted that the local magistrates confront their mistreatment of Paul and Silas, Roman citizens. Perhaps they hoped that the people of Philippi wouldn't have to take more hits like the ones they did, as they spread the good news.
These stories share a word of caution about power, such as how it’s used, who has it, and when it’s best used for the sake of the gospel.
- How does the story of Paul’s encounter with the slave girl and her owners differ from his encounter with his jailer? What does Paul do that yields resistance versus acceptance of the power he’s sharing?
- When have you seen someone take a hit for the sake of the gospel or for the sake of someone else’s relationship with God? What happened?
- For what or whom are you willing to sacrifice your comfort or security?
Prayer: Good God, we join your work as helpers and servants. Help us to be humble, wise, and generous as we invite others to share in your good news and receive the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
