But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.
In Roman times, a general who had led an army to victory in battle would lead a triumphal procession down the main street of Rome. The purpose of the procession was to give Roman citizens the opportunity to celebrate the general and his victory. The procession would move from the outskirts of the city, past the Forum, and on to the Colosseum. The general would ride in a chariot at the head of the procession. At the rear of the procession would follow all the captives of the battle. Fragrant clouds of incense would be released into the air as the procession moved forward.
In our verse for today, the Apostle Paul uses certain aspects of this Roman celebration as an image to describe the meaning of life in Christ Jesus. There are three main aspects to this new life:
First, the new life is life led in triumphal procession by Jesus Christ Himself. In Paul’s view, Jesus is like a conquering general who has won a great battle. Due to the victory, life has been fundamentally altered for the better and the general is worthy of receiving great praise and honor. Life now consists of following the general in the procession of life and in the celebration of His triumph.
Second, the new life is life of submission to Jesus Christ. Once we stood opposed to Jesus Christ as His enemies, but He has conquered sin and death and reclaimed us for His triumphal procession. Unlike the Romans captives, who followed the general in abject humiliation and misery, we follow Jesus in joyous celebration of the conquest and of our freedom.
Finally, the new life is a life that spreads the “aroma” of Christ’s victory everywhere. God uses the redeemed to further the extent of the conquest. There are still enemies of Christ, slaves to a defeated Satan. God uses us to witness to these enemies, showing them the joy of following a better master.
We should be thankful to God for all this, because we have become joyful participants in Christ’s triumphal procession.
By John Huisman, friend of Bible League International
