Those who thought that Paul's Roman imprisonment would hinder the gospel found that the opposite was the case. What they intended as a means of containing the message of Jesus further unleashed it. The guards chained to Paul became a captive audience. God has strategically placed every one of us where we live, where we work, where we go to school, and even where we socialize so that through us, the gospel, that is the good news that Jesus Christ died to save sinners, may be advanced.

2. Philippians 1:12-18
Joy in the
Progress of the
Gospel

3. First Point
Our witness is the first
step in the progress of
the gospel.

4. Philippians 1
12 I want you to know brothers,
that what has happened to me
has really served to advance the
gospel.

5. Philippians 1
13 so that it has become known
throughout the whole imperial
guard and to all the rest that my
imprisonment is for Christ.

6. Second Point
In the progress of the
gospel there must be a
declaration and
defense.

7. Philippians 1
14 and most of the brothers,
having become confident in the
Lord by my imprisonment, are
much more bold to speak the
word without fear.

8. Philippians 1
15 Some indeed preach Christ
from envy and rivalry, but others
from good will. 16 The latter do it
out of love, knowing that I am put
here for the defense of the
gospel.

9. Defense
ἀπολογία/ apologia
To give a reasonable and rational
defense for what we believe

10. 1 Peter 3:15
always being prepared to
make a defense to anyone
who asks you for a reason for
the hope that is in you; yet do
it with gentleness and respect.

12. Third Point
There will always be
opposition to the
progress of the gospel.

13. Philippians 1
17 the former proclaim Christ out of
selfish ambition, not sincerely but
thinking to afflict me in my
imprisonment. 18 What then? Only
that in every way, whether in
pretense or truth, Christ is
proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.