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The desertion and opposition cause Paul to remember his first trial and his faithful companion, the Lord. “At my first defense” refers to something like a pretrial hearing where friends would be expected to render testimony. May it not be held against them indicates a business term for keeping an account. The result of the Lord’s faithfulness is that the Gentiles hear the Gospel; Paul is delivered from the lion’s mouth; and Paul is encouraged so that he proclaims glory to God (vv.17-18). The lion’s mouth refers to either the real lions of the arena or of a metaphor for danger. The Lord stands with us to empower us, rescue us, and preserve us. Truly he deserves glory forever and ever.