Philippians 1:12
But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me xhave fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
Γινώσκειν δὲ ὑμᾶς βούλομαι, ἀδελφοί, ὅτι τὰ κατ᾽ ἐμὲ μᾶλλον εἰς προκοπὴν τοῦ εὐαγγελίου ἐλήλυθεν·
Textual key: no entry
x:
Psalms 76:9 When God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth. Selah.
Exodus 18:11 Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
2 Thessalonians 3:1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
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 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, Act 28:30,31; whereupon he would not have the Philippians discouraged, but rather comforted, as the Corinthians, 2Co 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, Php 4:22, or guard chamber, Act 28:16, or judgment hall, Mat 27:27 Mar 15:16 Joh 18:28,33; than those glittering golden ones which others were ambitious to wear, Act 5:41 Jas 2:2; it being apparent there, and elsewhere, to courtiers, citizens, Jews, and foreigners, that he did not suffer as an evil-doer, 1Pe 2:19,20 3:14; only for the Lord’s sake, Eph 3:1 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.