All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household. Philippians 4:22
Saints in Caesar’s palace? How did they get there? And how were they able to function and to communicate with Paul? We have to speculate, of course. But it just shows the marvellous workings of God and the power of the Gospel. Even in the palace of the anti-God leader of most of the world at that time, there were believers. What a great comfort these dear saints must have been to Paul during his lonely and long imprisonment! Just like the comfort that you and I receive when we unexpectedly encounter a believer when we think we are all alone and in trouble.
Imagine Paul sitting alone in his dungeon, lonesome and cold, with no way to read or write in the semi-darkness, when a slave arrives with his evening meal. Gently, the slave uncovers the tray and whispers, ‘Brother Paul, here is your supper, and also a letter from Timothy.’ The old apostle struggles to his feet, and warmly embraces the slave, whispering a few words of thanks before the guard standing outside the cell can detect their interaction. A firm handshake, and the slave slips out, leaving Paul with a heart overflowing with appreciation for God’s care. Such scenes were likely occurrences during Paul’s prison stay. And Paul’s message to the Philippians with greetings from those palace saints is a reminder that God has His people in place for us, too.
We all have our stories of times when we were alone and in need of a reminder of God’s care and presence when someone identifies themselves to us as a Christian. We can all understand how good it must have been for Paul to encounter believers during such a discouraging time. We expect to see Christians when we are at meetings and Assembly-related, or, to a lesser extent, during family get-togethers. But we don’t necessarily expect to see a Christian at a toll booth or in a bank lineup, or in a repair shop. And yet, our brothers and sisters in the Lord are all around us, ready to share a word or lend a much needed hand or ear. Who knows, maybe you will be one of those palace saints who God will use today to cheer or lift another of His children?
Keep an eye out today for palace saints; be surprised and delighted at how God has placed us to be the help that His people need. -Jim MacIntosh