| Geneva Study Bible {7} Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. (7) The taking away of an objection: it is true that he is kept in prison as an evildoer, yet there is no reason why some should therefore go about to take away credit from his Gospel. And this is because God has blessed his ministry; indeed, the example of this his captivity and patience, did rather in different ways strengthen and encourage his Church in the hope of a better life. People's New Testament 2:9 In which I suffer trouble. For this gospel. As an evil doer, even unto bonds. For it I am now a prisoner as an evil doer. But the word of God is not bound. Its great preacher was, but the Word could not be. It was being preached abroad by thousands of tongues. Wesley's Notes 2:9 Is not bound - Not hindered in its course. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 9. Wherein-in proclaiming which Gospel. suffer trouble-literally, "evil." I am a sufferer of evil as though I were a doer of evil. bonds-(2Ti 1:16). word . not bound-Though my person is bound, my tongue and my pen are not (2Ti 4:17; Ac 28:31). Or he alludes not merely to his own proclamation of the Gospel, though in chains, but to the freedom of its circulation by others, even though his power of circulating it is now prescribed (Php 1:18). He also hints to Timothy that he being free ought to be the more earnest in the service of it. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 2:8-13 Let suffering saints remember, and look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of their faith, who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despised the shame, and is now set down at the right hand of the throne of God. We must not think it strange if the best men meet with the worst treatment; but this is cheering, that the word of God is not bound. Here we see the real and true cause of the apostle's suffering trouble in, or for, the sake of the gospel. If we are dead to this world, its pleasures, profits, and honours, we shall be for ever with Christ in a better world. He is faithful to his threatenings, and faithful to his promises. This truth makes sure the unbeliever's condemnation, and the believer's salvation. |