RPG Adults
THE POWER OF GOD UNTO SALVATION
THURSDAY, JUNE 29
Philippians 4:21-23
Romans 1:8-17
“All the saints salute you, chiefly
they that are of Caesar’s household.”
THE POWER OF GOD UNTO SALVATION
Coming to the end of this epistle, Paul made some salutations and greetings. Amid that, he made a simple but rather surprising remark: that counted among the saints who expressed good wishes to the Philippians, were those of Caesar’s household. They were numbered among the saints, meaning that they were saved, and were part of the “brethren which are with me” (Phil 4:21).
How did this come about? Remember that Paul was in prison in Rome. He had already previously shared how his situation had granted him the opportunity to witness to many within the palace and his situation was well known by the Praetorian guards assigned to him (Phil 1:13). It is likely that some among them were converted under Paul’s influence. They would then have witnessed to others of Caesar’s household staff, and possibly even to members of the royal family themselves.
Again, amid his afflictions, we see the hand of God guiding Paul to be an effective witness for Him, such that the Gospel was able to penetrate the very heart of pagan Rome. This would be something particularly impressive to the Roman colony of Philippi, where Caesar was held in high esteem. To know that some within the household of Caesar were now considered amongst the saints would be of great encouragement to the Christians at Philippi.
Through this, we see the power of God unto salvation. Even in the most unlikely of circumstances, the Lord is able to save. There is a purpose why God brought Paul all the way to Rome in bonds: so that he could have this unique opportunity to bring the Gospel right into Caesar’s household. There is no one that is so afar off that he cannot be saved. Because Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, he took every opportunity that presented itself to him, and preached the Gospel. Likewise for us, may we take every opportunity to witness to those around us, for salvation is of the Lord.
THOUGHT: Do I sometimes make a judgment call in my mind and think a person cannot be saved, or is not worth saving?
PRAYER: Father, may I never be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, but have the courage to witness for Thee wherever I am.