This expression is used in several places in the New Testament against the background of captivity (Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 4:7; Acts 24:22; Acts 25:14). Thus it is also used here. We can deduce this from Philippians 1:7 as well as Philippians 1:13. It is not so much about Paul’s imprisonment as such but about something that had unfolded during his imprisonment. The apostle had had to give an account to the Roman governor. It came to light then that he was not guilty of the charges of which his Jewish opponents had accused him. According to Michaelis, Paul was being accused of inciting rebellion against the state.¹ It is, however, more likely that the charge related to Paul’s preaching, in which he taught that Jesus, whom the Jews had condemned, had risen from the dead (see Acts 23:29; Acts 24:5; Acts 25:19). In court too the apostle had been able to explain and defend the gospel. Thus, his captivity and interrogation turned into what he himself calls the advance of the preaching of the gospel.²