In Chains for the Gospel. 2 Timothy 2:9-10.
For which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
Dear Holy Nation,
Paul’s attitude towards suffering is balanced in the sense that he does not ignore the unfairness of the unjust imprisonment, but he at the same time looks beyond the persecution to what is at stake and chooses to endure the persecution.
Futility (v. 9). Paul’s tone betrays his disapproval of the unfair treatment he has received, being treated like a common criminal. But the imprisonment does not limit the spread of the gospel. The prison guards and possibly other prisoners are a captive audience. Paul uses every opportunity he gets to witness for Christ and bring people to the Saviour. His is truly a case of making the most of a bad situation, or as the popular saying goes, making lemonade with the lemons life hands him.
Future (v. 10). Paul looks beyond his situation to what is at stake – the salvation of the elect. God has chosen to save sinners, who must hear the gospel in order to believe and be saved (Romans 14). The preaching of the gospel is, therefore, more important to Paul than his own freedom and comfort. He imagines the glory that will be revealed when the elect enters into eternity with Christ and chooses to endure his chains. What are we willing to endure for the sake of the elect?
Your Loving Pastor Chris.