But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
The flesh recoils from the cross as though thunderstruck by something strange and fearsome. Those who watch for any advantage will seize on my imprisonment to mock the gospel and make you dread association with me. But God has advanced His Word through my bonds, not hindered it. Do not let Satan's usual tricks turn you aside.
AI summary
You might stumble thinking that if this doctrine were truly of God, He would not cast His instrument aside like a broken vessel. But a strange chemistry of Providence extracts great good from great evil: the gospel advances though I am confined, for the word of God cannot be imprisoned as my body is.
AI summary
Commenting on Philippians 1:12-20
My sufferings were no accident but by God's determinate counsel; Christ appointed His ministers to them, as He did the sufferings of His own head. They come to you not by chance but by divine appointment, and their use is settled beforehand. Therefore rejoice in them, hoping in God's glory.
AI summary