The word “furtherance” is a military word meaning to advance. Paul’s imprisonment, instead of shutting the door, had opened new doors. Because of his circumstances he was able to teach the palace guards about Christ.
Paul had been allowed to have a private lodging, but he was chained to the wrist of one of these soldiers day and night. These palace guards were known as the Praetorian Guard. Imagine these men listening to Paul speak with his friends about Jesus, hearing him pray and watching him write letters to the churches. It wasn’t long before some of these men became Christians. Paul’s chains gave him contact with the lost and the gospel was advanced.
What chains do you and I have? Maybe you look at your job as being your chain. Day after day you labor at the same job and you try to have joy in spite of it. What do you suppose Paul would be doing if he had your job? May I suggest that he would be using every available circumstance to teach others about Christ.
Paul’s chains also gave courage to the saved. The Christians at Rome took new courage when they saw Paul’s faith. Philippians 1:14 “and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”
~~~Greely Kirkpatrick~~