Matthew Poole and continuators on Philippians 1:28

28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries , which is to them an evident token of perdition , but to you of salvation , and that of God .

The original word which the Apostle useth, imports, they should not be appalled or affrighted, as Men and Horses are apt to be when furiously charg'd by their deadly enemies, but stoutly receive them, keeping their ground, Mat. 10.28. Luk. 12.32.

Considering on one hand their most pertinacious rage, is no other than an evident and convincing argument, or certain fore-runner of the adversaries utter ruine, Exod. 22.22, 24. Rom. 2.8, 9. 2 Thess. 1.5, 6, 8, 9.

But on the other hand to found Believers who behave themselves as becomes the Gospel, a manifest demonstration of their everlasting welfare and glory, Mat. 5.10. & 10.32, 39. Rom. 2.7, 10. Eph. 3.13. 2 Thess. 1.6, 7.

By the disposal of the alwise and righteous Governour, who may for a time, permit his or his peoples Adversaries to domineer, Iob. 1.21. Prov. 16.4. but being a rewarder of those that diligently seek him, Heb. 11.6. will of his grace lenifie the sharpness of the Cross; enable Believers to hold out against all the opposition of their Enemies, make them partakers of his Holiness and bring them to Glory, Heb. 12.10, 11. 2 Tim. 2.11, 12. which might abundantly comfort the Philippians as others, Gal. 6.17.

Marginal references: Rom. 8.17.