# brothers

Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.

# what has happened to me

"what I suffered because I was put into prison for preaching about Jesus". Paul says that two things have happened because of "the progress of the gospel": many people inside and outside the palace have found out why he is in prison, and other Christians are no longer afraid to proclaim the good news.

# has really served to advance the gospel

"has caused more people to hear the gospel"