Post by Lee on Apr 9, 2014 3:40:07 GMT
1954 Berean p. 364. Rene wrote excellent article. Philippi first ecclesia established in Europe by Paul. **I do rejoice, and WILL rejoice!" the apostle triumphantly exclaims (1:18); and to them he writes— "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, REJOICE!" (4:4).
Our minds turn again to that unforgettable scene at midnight in this same city of Philippi years before (Acts 16:23-25)—
"And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison . . thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks . . And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and SANG PRAISES UNTO GOD."
What glorious secret was it that these men had? Surely no circumstance could be more physically and mentally miserable and depressing—cast roughly into an inner dungeon to be reserved for more abuse on the morrow—distressingly fastened by the feet in stocks, and racked with the pain of the "many stripes" they had unjustly received.
But they "sang praises unto God." WHAT for? This epistle gives the answer—
"Be careful for nothing"—let nothing depress you—"but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, SHALL keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (4:6-7).
Nothing could dim or obscure for Paul the everpresent and overwhelming ecstacy of the love of Christ.
Our minds turn again to that unforgettable scene at midnight in this same city of Philippi years before (Acts 16:23-25)—
"And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison . . thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks . . And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and SANG PRAISES UNTO GOD."
What glorious secret was it that these men had? Surely no circumstance could be more physically and mentally miserable and depressing—cast roughly into an inner dungeon to be reserved for more abuse on the morrow—distressingly fastened by the feet in stocks, and racked with the pain of the "many stripes" they had unjustly received.
But they "sang praises unto God." WHAT for? This epistle gives the answer—
"Be careful for nothing"—let nothing depress you—"but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, SHALL keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (4:6-7).
Nothing could dim or obscure for Paul the everpresent and overwhelming ecstacy of the love of Christ.