You never know where the gospel of Jesus Christ will penetrate next. Millions of people claim allegiance to Jesus in China, a communist state committed to an atheistic world view. When God chooses to work, nothing serves as a barrier.

Along these lines, Paul wrote a fascinating benediction to close his letter to the Philippian church: All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

Those of Caesar’s household represent staff, slaves, and officials working for the emperor. We read earlier in Philippians how Paul (while in chains) spread the message of Jesus to the imperial guard. The word then went from his cell via his jailers to the entourage working in the royal palace. Many came to faith.

Nero, the emperor at the time, saw this new approach to God as a threat. He persecuted the growing Christian population, blaming them for a massive fire that consumed much of Rome. He fed believers to wild animals, and burned others alive as torches to illuminate his garden. I wonder how many of those in his household fell victim to his crimes?

Nero’s savagery failed to quash the faith. Brave people continued to follow Jesus. Eventually so many converted that Christianity became the dominant religion of the empire.

Caesar was not a fan. But Caesar never understood the power of the living God. The kingdom of heaven is like a tiny bit of yeast working its way through a mass of dough, quietly relentless. Nero and his empire faded. Today we stroll through the ruins while eating gelato. But faith in Jesus remains, and will remain, regardless of who’s a fan or not.

Philippians 4:22

Photo by Mauro Grazzi