Assuming this was written during Paul's imprisonment in Rome, many thought his trip to Jerusalem in the first place was ill-advised, and subsequent events (attempts on his life, arrest, and then being sent to Rome) would serve to support that view. However, Paul saw it differently. He knew that God's plans were being fulfilled, and he wanted the Philippians to know this too so that they would not be discouraged. The purpose of the gospel was being fulfilled. The purpose of Paul's life was to see the good news spread (Acts 20:22-24). He was now in captivity, but he had made sure that everyone knew why he was there, that it was because he was a servant of Christ. His example had also served to encourage others. We encourage others to action by our teaching and preaching, and by our lives.
Now some might counter that there were some preachers who did so for their own ends, whether financial or pride, rather than for Christ's sake. So you see there is nothing new in the things that sometimes go on in our own times. Paul rises above the intrigues of men, is delighted that the good news is preached.
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