It is understandable that Paul’s imprisonment had cast a threatening shadow over all the Christians in the area (Caesarea and Jerusalem). Would this arrest result in a much wider persecution of Christians? Had it not become too dangerous to speak openly about Christ? Surely there would have been fear and hesitation. These, however, have been overcome by Paul’s demeanour. His joy and boldness as a prisoner inspired most of the other preachers to continue preaching and teaching the gospel courageously.1
14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.