The Furtherance of the Gospel

The apostle Paul has defined the Gospel for us in, First Corinthians 15:1-4. In Romans 15:23, Paul told the Christians in Rome, he had “a great desire” for “many years” to come to Rome to preach to them. Paul wanted to go there as a preacher, but instead he went there as a prisoner, Acts 21-28. Paul knew that which happened unto him promoted “the furtherance of the Gospel”.
We will look at “the furtherance of the Gospel” (1:12), “the defense of the gospel” (1:17), and “the faith of the gospel” (1:27b).

1. THE FURTHERANCE OF THE GOSPEL (1:12)
   Paul wanted his readers to know “that the things which happened unto” him (1:12), i.e. his trial and imprisonment, have resulted in the furtherance of the Gospel. Truly “all things work together for good to them that love God” (Rom. 8:28).
2. THE DEFENSE OF THE GOSPEL (1:17).
   Prayer can literally move mountains. (Mark 11:22-24).
3. THE FAITH OF THE GOSPEL
   “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matt. 5:10-12).
   Paul said in 2 Timothy 3:12, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”
   Paul rejoiced despite his sufferings and he told the Philippians to expect “the same conflict” (1:30).