John Calvin Commentary Philippians 1:12

"Now I would have you know, brethren, that the things [which happened] unto me have fallen out rather unto the progress of the gospel;" — Philippians 1:12 (ASV)

But I wish you to know We all know from our own experience how much the flesh is inclined to be offended by the humiliation of the cross. We allow, indeed, Christ crucified to be preached to us; but when He appears in connection with His cross, then, as if we were thunderstruck at its novelty, we either avoid Him or hold Him in abhorrence. This is true not only concerning ourselves but also concerning those who deliver the gospel to us.

It may have happened that the Philippians were somewhat discouraged because of the persecution of their Apostle. We may also very easily believe that those evil workers, who eagerly watched for every opportunity, however small, to do harm, did not refrain from triumphing over the suffering of this holy man, thereby making his gospel contemptible.

If, however, they were not successful in this attempt, they might very easily slander him by portraying him as hated by the whole world. They might also lead the Philippians to fear that, by an unfortunate association with him, they would needlessly incur widespread dislike. For such are the usual schemes of Satan.

The Apostle counters this danger when he states that the gospel had been advanced through his imprisonment. Therefore, the purpose of this explanation is to encourage the Philippians, so that they may not feel deterred by the persecution he endured.