Philippians 1:12 “But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; 13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; 14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”
The adversaries of Christ and His Gospel and His Church had brought false charges against Paul which led to his imprisonment in Rome; but, the Lord used their own devices against them. These adversaries had hoped to do away with Paul and the struggling Christian Church. But, Paul’s imprisonment had actually, by Divine Providence (Acts 23:11), led to “the furtherance of the gospel”. Even as a prisoner, he had become well known and respected by many among the Brethren in the area and even in Caesar’s palace. And, because Rome was sort of a hub city, Paul became known “in all other places”; that is, even in faraway lands. Through his imprisonment, “the furtherance of the gospel” extended even into upper European regions. Although he was a prisoner, under guard, “Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.” (Acts 28:30-31). Thus, the Lord beat the devil with his own deceitful devices. Furthermore, when the other Brethren saw how the Lord prospered Paul, how he undauntingly continued his Gospel duties even as a prisoner, they took courage and “waxing confident by” his “bonds” became “much more bold to speak the word without fear”! As we face our difficulties, let us pray for our resilient strength in our Lord’s service, that we might likewise be an encouragement for others in our day!