Read: PHILIPPIANS 2
Paul experienced a chain reaction generated by the love of Jesus. First, Jesus transformed Paul from an evil man who hated Christians into one of the greatest and most passionate missionaries of the early church. With each new church that Paul planted, he saw entire communities touched by the grace of God. Individuals shared their faith and changed their families. Families raised their children as strong believers that would change the next generation. Life after life was touched by the love that God showed Paul, but now Paul is locked up. He is to be chained down, under house arrest in Rome, for two whole years. How can he continue to make a difference?
Philippians 2:19-22
“I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.”
Timothy was Paul’s close friend and partner in ministry. Since Paul’s imprisonment made it impossible for him to visit his church family in Philippi, he planned to send Timothy. Paul had inspired a genuine love for Jesus and the Philippians in Timothy’s heart, and now, Timothy would have the chance to continue Paul’s teachings there. Paul’s chains could stop him from traveling, but they could not stop the message of Jesus Christ from spreading.
No matter how trapped you may feel, you can have an impact through influencing those around you. When you touch just one person’s life, Jesus can multiply your impact. He can work through that one person to change even more people, families, and communities than you’ll ever realize. Use your influence for good.