Furtherance of the Gospel Through the Apostle's Imprisonment
T. Croskery Philippians 1:12-14 But I would you should understand, brothers… He now proceeds to inform his converts of his condition at Rome, with his hopes and his fears for the future. His imprisonment had in two important respects signally promoted the growth of Christianity in the great metropolis of the world. I. HIS SUFFERINGS FOR CHRIST HAD BECOME KNOWN TO THE SOLDIERS OF THE PRAETORIAN GUARD AND TO OTHERS. "My bonds have become manifest in Christ throughout the Praetorian Guard, and to all the rest." This was important for two reasons. 1. Because thee soldiers were connected with "Caesar's household. We may well suppose that the saints in that household referred to afterwards (Philippians 4:22) owed their conversion to the apostle's ministry. 2. Because Christianity would thus be brought under the eye of the world. These soldiers were part of an army which then covered the world with its conquests. 3. But the special importance lay in the fact that he was recognized as a prisoner, not for that, or murder, or ill-doing, but for his profession of the gospel. II. HIS SUFFERINGS FOR CHRIST HAD THE EFFECT OF INSPIRING MINISTERS WITH GREATER COURAGE IN PREACHING THE GOSPEL. And the greater part of the brethren, having in the Lord confidence in my bonds, are more abundantly bold to preach the gospel without fear." This implies: 1. That the ministry was then a dangerous servia, for it exposed preachers to violence and death. 2. That the example of triumphant faith and joyful endurance cannot be without its effect. The courage of the apostle, a fearfully critical time, breathed new strength into "the brethren." - T.C. Parallel Verses KJV: But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; WEB: Now I desire to have you know, brothers, that the things which happened to me have turned out rather to the progress of the Good News;