Scenes and
The purpose of this exercise is to develop skill at
vividly and imaginatively portraying Biblical and
contemporary scenes and stories.
Stories
Text: Philippians 1:12-18
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Make sure sermon ideas are clear and well
worded.
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Tell the biblical story with imagination and
realism.
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Recognize the usual phases of a narrative.
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Use language that appeals best to the
imagination.
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Tell the story as would an eyewitness.
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Look for vivid imagery and narrative in the text.
This assignment involves the retelling of a selected biblical narrative in such a way as to use imaginative and vivid
language and narration. Complete the exercise with the following steps:
1. Read the selected biblical narrative several times in different translations. Note here the theological purpose of
the story as best as you can discern it.
Preaching the gospel of Christ; perseverance
2. Notice the kinds of language used in the text you
are studying:
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Figurative language—advance the gospel
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Descriptive language—Paul’s imprisonment
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Sensate language—envy, rivalry, love, selfish
ambition
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Concrete language—whole imperial guard
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Specific language—confident, without fear
3. Analyze the dynamics of the situation and note
them here.
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Setting—Paul’s Roman imprisonment
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Characters—Paul, Phlippian believers
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Relationships—those who preach Christ from envy
& rivalry vs. those who preach from good will;
pretense vs. truth
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Dialogue—N/A
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Motives—envy, rivalry, selfish ambition; good will,
love
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Divine involvement—God advances the gospel
through different means & through Paul’s
imprisonment
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Surprises—though Paul is chained, the gospel
cannot be chained & this brings Paul joy while
imprisoned
4. Sketch the story by using five phrases:
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Situation—Paul is in prison at Rome for preaching the gospel
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Stress—Paul cannot preach the gospel freely while imprisoned
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Search—Rather than look for a way out of prison, Paul is searching for ways to advance the gospel any way
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Solution—Paul preached to the imperial guard & others preached, either out of rivalry for Paul’s predicament
or to make others aware, but either way, the gospel was preached
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(New) Situation—Paul’s joy is growing because the gospel is advancing, even though his imprisonment
shouldn’t bring him joy
5. Fill in from background research and imagination the phases of the story not described in the text.
While Paul’s readers may have felt sorry for Paul’s imprisonment, Paul never used it as an excuse nor did he let
it discourage him. Instead, Paul explained how God continues to advance the gospel through his preaching to
those guarding him. Moreover, some people were making fun of Paul’s imprisonment, saying things like “That
crazy Paul was going around telling people Jesus is the Messiah and he got thrown into prison for it!” (but at
least the gospel was being preached by them). Others were concerned and saying things like, “Pray for our
brother Paul, for while he was telling people Jesus is the Messiah, he got arrested. Pray God continues to use
him in prison.” (still, the gospel is being preached). Such a proclamation of the gospel brought Paul to great
rejoicing and if we will look beyond our circumstances, we can find great reason for joy when God’s work is still
being done.
