Philippians 1:14

Many of the brethren. Literally, “the greater part of the brethren,” that is, the majority of the Christians in Rome.

In the Lord. These words may be connected with “brethren,” as in the KJV, or with “waxing confident.”

Waxing confident. Or, “having confidence.” Here is an additional fact that was favorable to the gospel. A greater part of the brethren were much more bold as a result of Paul’s confinement. That so distinguished a champion of the truth had been imprisoned may have stirred them to do all they could in the same cause for which he suffered. Or perhaps they were aroused as some current of popular feeling toward Christianity arose after the cause of Paul’s imprisonment had become generally understood. Others may have been encouraged by their intercourse with Paul to exert great efforts in the Christian cause. Thus, by one way or another, Paul’s imprisonment had led to a more fearless proclamation of the Word by other believers. See on Acts 25:12.