What the apostle Paul does here is to establish that his ministry is to the Gentiles, which has given rise to some controversy, is valid and legitimate, and is not denied by the fact that he has been imprisoned on account of it. Paul's life and ministry was in the centre of the will of God, can that be said of us-- All, we are reminded, should be focussed on Christ.--Main Headings---1- Suffering negates nothing-2- High calling-3- Nothing outside of Christ