Philippians 1:14

We come to the second result of Paul’s imprisonment. The first result spread the gospel all over the Roman Empire–a number of the Praetorian guard came to Christ. The second result impacted the Christians of Rome.

In Rome the church lived their Christianity with caution and care. They would take no chances; they shirked from sharing their faith. Yet they were already ready to say “we told you so.” Their insecurities were obvious.

“And most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains,”

The phrase “having become confident” means to “receive confidence.” Paul’s testimony impacted them so powerfully that they derived confidence from it.

“are much more bold”

Boldness in Rome took some courage. A person could risk imprisonment or even death. There was open season on Christians. This issued a timid and mousy witness. They were not sure of themselves. They were afraid of what might happen if they ran afoul of Roman authority.

Christians today often are mousy and afraid to share their faith with far less consequence than the Romans. We are apologetic and quiet about our faith. We are afraid to hurt feelings. We do not want to speak up so that the issues are clear–heaven and hell.

The word “are” is continual action in the Greek. Their boldness became a pattern. Previously Paul had written to the Romans “that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world” (Romans 1:8). Evidently they did witness previously but it had become intermittent and anemic. They were cautious because they were afraid. But here they established a patter of “much more” boldness.

To be bold is one thing. To be more bold is another. Yet, to be much more bold is another. Paul’s testimony had a mighty impact on advancing the gospel among Christians!

Why were they bold? Because they “received confidence” from Paul’s witness in prison. They saw that he was always on the move when it came to sharing his faith. He had another ministry in prison. We often are quick to find excuses for not sharing our faith; Paul was alert to every opportunity.

“to speak the Word without fear.”

Fear disappeared from their witness. The prayer of the church shortly after it began was “grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word” (Acts 4:29).

One of the least common denominators in witnessing is boldness. If we are not confident of what we are sharing we are dead in the water before we begin. People will know that we do not believe what we are saying.