Matthew Poole and continuators on Philippians 1:12

12 But I would ye should understand, brethren , that the things which happened unto me, have faln out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel .

To obviate the insinuations which false Tea[illegible: 3 letters]rs 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 intreat them to consider well.

That his imprisonment, and what other troubles from without did befall him in his Apostolical Office, whereby the over-ruling Providence of God so ordered, that they did rather (contrary to the intention of his Persecutors) rather advantage than hinder the progress of the Gospel, increase than decrease the Church, sith he had opportunity two years in his own hired house, of teaching with freedom the things of Christ, Act. 20.30, 31. whereupon he would not have the Philippians discourag'd, but rather comforted as the Corinthians, 2 Cor. 1.5, 6, 7. for 1. His iron Chain in the cause of Christ was more an honour to him even in the Emperour's Court, ch. 4.22. or Guard-chamber, Act. 28.16. or Judgment-hall, Mat. 27.27. Mark 15.16. Ioh. 18.28, 33. than those glittering golden ones which others were ambitious to wear, Act. 5.41. Iam. 2.2. it being apparent there, and elsewhere, to Courtiers, Citizens, Iews, and Foreigners, that he did not suffer as an evil-doer, 1 Pet. 2.19, 20. & 3.14. onely for the Lord's sake, Eph. 3.1. & 4.1. whose power in his confinement did work in, and by him, who approv'd himself faithfull, which when enquiry was made concerning his suffering gave occasion, to communicate some notions of Christ, and glad tidings of Salvation by him.