It is usually difficult to imagine how good can result when bad things happen. Getting sent to prison is one of the least desirable events that can happen. It brings disgrace to your reputation, causes you to suffer humiliation and abuse, severely restricts your freedom and your opportunities to make a difference in the world, and can subject you to danger at the hands of other inmates. However, Paul could see some good things about being in prison, as recorded in the first chapter of his letter to the Philippians:
I want you to know, friends, that the things which happened to me have actually helped to advance the Good News. The whole imperial guard and others have become aware that my imprisonment is for Christ, and most of the believers in the Lord have become bolder as a result of my imprisonment, and are daring to speak the word of God fearlessly. Some people preach Christ out of jealousy and conflict. Others do so out of good will, by love, knowing that I live for the defence of the Good News. The people who preach Christ out of selfish rivalry are insincere and think that they are increasing my problems during my imprisonment. But who cares? In every way, whether under pretext or in truth, Christ is proclaimed. I am delighted about this, and will continue to rejoice.
Paul’s attitude reflects the extent to which his purpose in life had come to reflect God’s purpose in history. The closer someone grows to Christ, the less the normal things that people worry about matter. Your own comfort, your own reputation, and your own wealth and safety become much less significant when you are living the life of a disciple, and God’s purposes become so much more important.