Philippians 1:17

I am set Lit., "I lie." But the A.V. and R.V. are right. See the same verb clearly in the same sense, Luke 2:34; 1 Thessalonians 3:3. The thought is as of a soldier posted, a line of defence laid down. Still, there may be also an allusion in the word, used in this context, to the fact of his literal fixturein one spot.

defence Lit., "apology," apologia;vindication. See on Philippians 1:7 above. Perhaps the point of the word here is that the loyal Christians recognized in their freedom a call to move about as active evangelists; in St Paul's captivity, a call to him rather to clear up the difficulties and develope the intelligent faith of enquirers brought in by them. The "men of faction" might affect to see in St Paul's chain a sign of Divine prohibition and displeasure; the "men of love" would recognize in it a sign of designation to a special and noble work.