“I am in prison, but thesethings have happened to me for the furtherance of the gospel” (verse 12).

 Nowin verse 13-14, he writes, “So that it has become evident to the wholepalace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most ofthe brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much morebold to speak the word without fear.” Paul is saying that everyone there inthe prison now clearly understands that he is there because of his testimony inJesus Christ. He is in chains because of his witness for Christ and hiscommitment to share the good news of Jesus Christ. As a result, he says thatothers, because of his boldness, have been encouraged to also share the gospelwith boldness.

Paul’ssuffering did something very powerful—it gave others courage to speak up forJesus in their own chains, in their own situations. Possibly even the guards inthe prison who may have been afraid are now telling others about Christ becausethey saw his boldness, his faith, and his confidence in Christ. They werestrengthened.

Myfriend, do not ever underestimate the influence you have in helping others dowhat they ought to do. When you remain faithful in difficulty, it encouragesothers to do the same. Your courage can spread. Never underestimate what Godcan do through you and your example when you stand with courage and boldnessfor Jesus Christ.

Oneof the most powerful stories in the Old Testament—and one of my favorites—isfound in 1 Samuel chapters 13 and 14. The Philistines had surrounded the nationof Israel and the armies of Israel. Saul, who was king at that time, wasabsolutely afraid—trembling. The Scripture says in verses 5–7 of chapter 13: “ThePhilistines gathered together to fight with Israel: thirty thousand chariots,six thousand horsemen, and people as numerous as the sand on the seashore. Theycame and encamped at Michmash, to the east of Beth Aven.

Whenthe men of Israel saw that they were in danger, for the people were distressed,they hid in caves, thickets, rocks, holes, and pits. Some of the Hebrews evencrossed over the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. As for Saul, he wasstill in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling.” The people were in adesperate situation. They had no weapons. The Philistines had them surroundedand were preparing to attack.

Butthen there is Jonathan in chapter 14, the son of Saul. He says to the young manwho bore his armor, in verse 6: “Come, let us go over to the garrison ofthese uncircumcised; it may be that the Lord will work for us. For nothingrestrains the Lord from saving by many or by few.” His armor bearer said tohim, “Do all that is in your heart. Go then; here I am with you, according toyour heart.”

Hereis Jonathan saying, “We are going to take on these Philistines—just me andyou.” And his armor bearer says, “I am with you all the way.” God gave him oneperson to stand with him. As you read the story, they formed a plan andattacked the garrison of the Philistines. God caused the ground to tremble. ThePhilistines became terrified, began turning on one another, and startedfleeing. Just two men, with one sword between them, fighting a whole army—andthey began to win a great victory.

Asthe story continues, you find that the people who had been hiding in caves,dens, and rocks—the ones who had deserted—came back into the battle. They cameout of hiding. They found courage to stand up and fight. Why? Because of thecourage of one young man, Jonathan, and his armor bearer as they fought againstthe Philistines.

Myfriend, you never know how God will use you when you exhibit courage to sharethe gospel. Your courage may be the very thing that encourages someone else tostep forward and do the same. That is what Paul is talking about here. Thecourage God gave him spread to others, and now they are more bold to share thegood news of Jesus Christ.