But I would ye should understand, brethren: to obviate the insinuations which false teachers and others might make use of from Paul's sufferings, to obstruct the cordial entertainment of those glad tidings he had brought, and to discourage those who did obey the truth, he doth by this friendly compellation (which he often useth) kindly entreat them to consider well, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; that his imprisonment, and what other troubles from without did befall him in his apostolical office, whereby the overruling providence of God so ordered, that they did (contrary to the intention of his persecutors) rather advantage than hinder the progress of the gospel, increase than decrease the church, since he had opportunity two years, in his own hired house, of teaching with freedom the things of Christ, Acts 28:30,31; whereupon he would not have the Philippians discouraged, but rather comforted, as the Corinthians, 2 Corinthians 1:5-7: for:
1. His iron chain in the cause of Christ was more an honour to him, even in the emperor's court, Philippians 4:22, or guard chamber, Acts 28:16, or judgment hall, Matthew 27:27 Mark 15:16 1 Thessalonians 18:28,33; than those glittering golden ones which others were ambitious to wear, Acts 5:41 James 2:2; it being apparent there, and elsewhere, to courtiers, citizens, Jews, and foreigners, that he did not suffer as an evil-doer, 1 Peter 2:19,20 1 Peter 3:14; only for the Lord's sake, Ephesians 3:1, Ephesians 4:1; whose power in his confinement did work in and by him, who approved himself faithful, which, when inquiry was made concerning his suffering, gave occasion to communicate some notions of Christ, and glad tidings of salvation by him.