The Gospel Must Be Preached.

That the work they were called to should be carried on and prosper, notwithstanding all this opposition which they should meet with in it (Mark 13:10) "The gospel shall, for all this, be published among all nations, and before the destruction of Jerusalem the sound of it shall go forth into all the earth not only through all the nation of the Jews, but to all the nations of the earth." It is comfort to those who suffer for the gospel, that, though they may be crushed and borne down, the gospel cannot it shall keep its ground, and carry the day.

That their sufferings, instead of obstructing their work, should forward it "Your being brought before governors and kings shall be for a testimony of them (so some read it, Mark 13:9) it shall give you an opportunity of preaching the gospel to those before whom you are brought as criminals, to whom otherwise you could not have access." Thus St. Paul's being brought before Felix, and Festus, and Agrippa, and Nero, was a testimony to them concerning Christ and his gospel. Or, as we read it, It shall be for a testimony against them, against both the judges and the prosecutors, who pursue those with the utmost rage that appear, upon examination, to be not only innocent but excellent persons. The gospel is a testimony to us concerning Christ and heaven. If we receive it, it will be a testimony for us: it will justify and save us if not, it will be a testimony against us in the great day. - Matthew Henry