Circumstances the most untoward may in reality be advancing the Divine kingdom among men.
I. God's providence is not to be interpreted in fragments.
II. The moral is higher than the personal; Paul is in prison, but the Gospel is free.
III. The bonds of one man may give inspiration to the liberty of another.
IV. The spread of the Gospel depends upon no one man.
V. Even the afflicted Christian has a mission.
Parker, City Temple,vol. ii., p. 182.
References: Philippians 1:12-20. Homiletic Quarterly,vol. iv., p. 221.Philippians 1:12-26. J. J. Goadby, Christian World Pulpit,vol. xv., p. 216. Philippians 1:13; Philippians 1:14. Clergyman's Magazine,vol. i., p. 216.