(12) В¶ 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.
It should seem, by what the Apostle here saith, that the Church at Philippi had so much affection for Paul, (as they well might), that on account of his imprisonment, they were anxious to know the event. And Paul's regard for them was not behind. But how graciously the Lord overruled the malice of his enemies, in causing even the imprisonment of his Servant to minister to his glory. He tells them, that as his bonds in Christ was known in the palace of the emperor, it had occasioned some enquiry concerning the faith in Christ. And we know, that it was made instrumental in the hand of the Lord, for the conversion of some of Nero's household. For in the close of this Epistle he tells the Church of Philippe, that amidst the salutations of the brethren which were with him at that time in Rome, they chiefly desired to salute the Church which were of Cesar's household. And Paul further adds, that his chains had made many bold to preach Christ. Reader! do not overlook these things. They are not uncommon now. How many have I known who have felt confidence from the exercise of the Lord's tried ones? Yea, what instances have I not observed, where the Lord hath raised up glory to himself, and comfort to his people, from the malice of his enemies?