Philippians 1:12-20 But I would you should understand, brothers… I. THE SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL THROUGH THE APOSTLE'S IMPRISONMENT. 1. His imprisonment gave notoriety to the cause for which he was imprisoned. 2. His own soldier guards heard him talk to his visitors, and themselves became the means of extending the cause. As one man relieved another day after day, the whole of the imperial guard was brought under Christian teaching. 3. These guards would make this strange prisoner the theme of many homes in the city. 4. The apostle's calmness and consistency began to tell on the Christians themselves. (1) The Gentile Christians in sympathy with the liberal views of the apostle plucked up heart of grace. (2) The Jewish Christians envious of the apostle's influence doubled their zeal. II. THE UNVEILING OF THE APOSTLE'S HEART THROUGH THE SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL. We see — 1. His perfect self-forgetfulness. Neither his imprisonment nor the preaching of envy and strife could disturb his confidence in Christ. 2. His large and hopeful charity. Even the Judaizers preached Christ. 3. His spirit of humble and trustful dependence — (1) On the prayer of the Philippians. (2) On the supply of the Spirit through Jesus Christ. 4. His thorough and absorbing devotedness to his work. Conclusion:Note — 1. The power of personal influence. 2. That this influence can, only be sustained by personal union with Christ. (J. J. Goadby.) Parallel Verses KJV: But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; |
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