Paul discovered that his imprisonment advanced the gospel in several ways: 1) Many brothers and sisters were emboldened in their faith by Paul's example of preaching while in chains. 2) Paul was able to preach the gospel to many people who visited him in prison, including the palace guard and King Agrippa. 3) Some preached out of jealousy of Paul, but the gospel still spread, both from sincere and insincere motives. Paul was joyful that Christ was being preached regardless of the motives.

1. Philippians 1:12-18

3. Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,
that what has happened to me has actually
served to advance the gospel. As a result, it
has become clear throughout the whole palace
guard and to everyone else that I am in chains
for Christ.

4. And because of my chains, most of the
brothers and sisters have become confident in
the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the
gospel without fear.

5. It is true that some preach Christ out of envy
and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.
The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am
put here for the defense of the gospel. The
former preach Christ out of selfish ambition,
not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up
trouble for me while I am in chains.

6. But what does it matter? The important thing
is that in every way, whether from false
motives or true, Christ is preached. And
because of this I rejoice.

7. Falsely arrested in Jerusalem gets to preach the gospel to the crowd
Death threat in Jerusalem supernaturally discovered and removed to
Caesarea
King waiting for Paul’s bribe people come to meet with Paul and are
mentored and encouraged by him from his
prison cell.
Paul gets to preach to King Agrippa and his
wife as well as to Festus, the Roman
Governor
Appeal to Caesar Escorted journey to Rome
all on the ship see God rescuing them
people on Malta see miracles and hear the
gospel
In Rome Caesar’s palace and household hear the
gospel
Letters written to churches

8.  Paul discovered the opportunities to serve God the whole time he was in prison.
 People realized that God’s kingdom purposes were not dependent on Paul being
free and were built up in their faith.
 People heard the stories of Paul’s ministry in jail at Caesarea, on the sea voyage
and to the very palace of Caesar - all because of his imprisonment
 People were inspired by Paul’s courage to step up and take responsibility for
seeing that the ministry of the gospel would continue.
 Some people whose selfish ambition saw themselves in competition with Paul,
began to preach the gospel more thinking that they would gain more notoriety for
themselves.

10. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in
civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his
commanding officer.
Similarly, anyone who competes as an
athlete does not receive the victor’s crown
except by competing according to the rules.
The hardworking farmer should be the first
to receive a share of the crops.

11. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord
will give you insight into all this.
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the
dead, descended from David. This is my
gospel, for which I am suffering even to
the point of being chained like a
criminal. But God’s word is not chained.
Therefore I endure everything…..

12. For the Scripture says,
Whoever puts their trust in him
will not be disappointed."
ROMANS 10