In Philippians 1:16-17, Paul used an interesting word to explain his relation to the defense of the gospel. The KJV and ASV translate it that he was “set for the defense of the gospel.” The NKJV and NASB translate it, “I am appointed” (emphasizing the passive voice). The Greek word (keimai) is interesting. It is used with reference to the positioning of a body for burial: “Come, see the place where the Lord lay (keimai)” (Matt. 28:6; cf. John 11:41). It is used of something positioned on top of something else: “the axe is laid to (keimai) the root” (Matt. 3:10); “A city that is set on (keimai) a hill” (Matt. 5:14). It is used of items that are fixed in position: “No other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid (keimai)” (1 Cor. 3:11); “behold, a throne set (keimai) in heaven” (Rev. 4:2); “the city is laid out (keimai) as a square” (Rev. 21:16).
Now, think about this, not only in reference to Paul, but in reference to our personal relation to the defense of the gospel of Christ. Are you “laid out on top of” the defense of the gospel? Are you “set in a fixed position” in the defense of the gospel? Shouldn’t we be?