Philippians 1:18b-19 Yes, and I will rejoice, 19for I know that this will turn out for my salvation through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ
Even while chained in prison with an uncertain future, Paul could rejoice because of his confidence and hope in Christ. Rejoice is a key theme in this letter. To express faith in Paul’s uncertain and difficult situation took faith and confidence. His confidence comes from two sources. The first was the prayer of the Philippians. Prayer is the means by which we connect to God’s power in behalf of other people. The Philippians were interceding for Paul. Knowing that he was not alone brought him courage to stand strong under the pressure. Prayer connected the Philippians to Paul over the great distance from Philippi to Rome, if indeed that is where Paul was at this time. Paul prayed for them, and they prayed for him. This type of intercession brought them together as one in a unity that grows for those who are bonded to Christ Jesus through faith.
The other source of help was the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ. In Romans 8:9, Paul also connects the Spirit to Christ. Although Paul never explained the Trinity in a philosophical way, he believed in the divinity of Father, Son, and Spirit and saw all three intimately and intricately connected. It is significant that he connects the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ in the opening chapter of this letter. Another key them in this letter is Paul’s hope of resurrection available to those who trust in Christ’s own resurrection. This letter is very “Christocentric” because everything is dependent upon grace through Christ. This will be clearly stated in verse 21. Paul was not alone in prison but had the Holy Spirit there, giving him courage and hope. We too are not left alone in our darkest hour but that same Spirit of Christ comes and reminds us of the object of our hope and fills us with deep joy.
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