Philippians 1:12-30

Paul says in verse 12 that his current circumstances are actually being used by God to further the gospel. The Expositor's Bible Commentary says that Paul could have been moved to a Praetorian camp or somewhere more accessible to where his trial was taking place. This main point is that this situations, as bad as it may appear, is actually working to further God's kingdom rather than hindering it.

He states in verse 13 that his imprisonment is well known, even to non-Christians such as the praetorian guard. The Expositor's Bible Commentary says that it was well known that Paul’s imprisonment was for Christ. It says that his captivity was not just in the service of Christ, but that his relationship with Christ had become clear to the guards. We are not given any indication of what impact Paul's witness had on the soldiers who were guarding him, but it is clear that there was some sort of effect. Paul clearly saw this as a helpful thing, even though it would be easy to see it as a major setback.

In verse 14, he also makes reference to having more courage to speak for Christ. He hopes that knowledge of his imprisonment will inspire other believers to be vocal about their faith in Christ. This is all taking place at a time when Christianity was illegal, so it did take a measure of courage to witness or preach in that time and place. That is the very reason that Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter. More than simply encouraging to tell others about their faith or to preach the word of God, he says to do this without fear. In such a context, there would be many earthly reasons to be fearful, especially considering some of the consequences that Christians had faced for their faith. But Paul is urging them to share their faith and preach without fear. This seems to be closely related to Jesus' instruction in Matthew 10:28, "Do not fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul; but rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Certainly we, who are facing far less dire circumstances today, should also be eager to share our faith as God brings opportunities to speak for him.

In verse 15, Paul brings up people's motives for preaching Christ. Some are doing it out of envy and strife, trying to cause division. Perhaps they are jealous of Paul's fame and popularity. Others are preaching Christ out of a genuine concern for people's spiritual conditions and want to see them in a right relationship with Christ. Paul says that the latter are doing this out of love, while the former are doing it out of selfish ambition. Apparently their aim is to cause distress and hardship for Paul even in the midst of his imprisonment.

While Paul is certainly not justifying or advocating preaching out of selfish ambition, he does see good coming even from these motives. Whether people are preaching Christ out of selfish motives or pure ones, the important thing is that Christ is being preached. Writing on radical prayer, Richard Foster states that the prophetic message is more important than the messenger. Paul clearly has the same idea in mind. While those who share their faith and bring people to Christ are important, the message itself is more important. He says as much in verse 18, "Whether in pretense or truth, Christ is proclaimed; in this I rejoice."

He also gives another reason for rejoicing in verses 18b and 19. He knows that this will turn out for his deliverance through the prayers of the readers of this letter. The Expositor's Bible Commentary indicates it is unclear to what Paul is referring by "my deliverance." It states there are two possible meanings: either his release from prison or his spiritual salvation. Each is certainly a very desirable result. This context would appear to say that he is confident of his release from prison, as opposed to his letters in 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy, which were written just before he was martyred. It is clear from his letters to Timothy that he knew his mission on earth was nearly complete. This is not the tone of the letter in Philippians. He is still expressing much hope and speaks of the good that is being accomplished through his captivity. He also gives another reason for his hope that he will be released, "the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ." He knows God will take care of him, whether by delivering him from prison or by delivering him into the Lord's presence.

He expresses confidence in verse 20 that he will not "be put to shame in anything, but with all boldness Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in [his] body, whether by life or death." In Paul's view, Christ will be exalted either way, whether he lives or dies. That is clearly Paul's concern.

In verse 21, Paul states that for him, "to live is Christ and to die is gain." Remaining on earth would allow more opportunities to serve Christ and to help others come to find salvation in Christ. To die would mean that he would be ushered into Christ's presence. Paul sees this as very much a win-win situation. He elaborates on this in verse 22, saying that remaining on earth would mean more fruitful labor for him. This would mean more opportunities to help the churches grow and mature. It would mean more chances to share the gospel with more people and help them find salvation in Christ. It would be easy enough to think that this would be an easy choice for Paul, but this was apparently not the case. Having opportunities for greater service to Christ is certainly a very tempting option, but being in the presence of Christ is also a wonderful thing. Paul clearly saw the benefits of both, saying in verse 22, "I do not know which to choose."

He expresses in verses 23 and 24 the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is very much better. But he also recognizes that remaining in the flesh is more necessary for the churches. He still feels that there is much to be done concerning the churches and this requires him to continue on earth, rather than departing to be with Christ. He states his decision in verse 25, saying that he will remain because this is more important for the advancement of the gospel and for the churches he serves. Here he expresses a philosophy that Chuck Holton writes about in his book, "A More Elite Soldier." In that book, Holton has a chapter called, "Mission, Men then Me." Paul is clearly putting the mission first (spreading the gospel), his men second (the needs of the churches he serves) and himself third (his desire to be with Christ).

He gives the reason in verse 26, that the Philippians’ proud confidence in Paul may abound in Christ Jesus through his coming to them again. The Expositor's Bible Commentary states that as the Philippians experienced the progress and joy that Paul's labors produced among them, they would have new and greater reasons for overflowing with joy. It also says that his ministry among them would help them to see more clearly the riches of their salvation in Christ.

He issues a stipulation in verse 27, however. He says they are to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. They are not to be overconfident and think that they are immune from temptation. They are to keep a balanced attitude about their position before God and the fact that we do still face temptations here on earth. Paul wants to be certain that they are standing firm in their faith. He also wants to know that there is unity among the believers in Philippi, emphasizing that he wants them to be of "one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel." Whether he comes to them or not, this is clearly something he wants for the Philippian church.

He also encourages them in verse 28 not to be alarmed by their opponents. He says that this is a sign of destruction for their opponents, but of salvation for them. He points out that this, too, is from God. Since even Jesus faced opposition, as did the prophets before Jesus' earthly ministry, we have no reason to think that we are immune from opposition.

Paul reiterates this in verses 29 and 30, saying that it has been granted to us for Christ's sake, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for his sake. Paul tells the Philippian believers that the same conflict which Paul was experiencing was also a possibility for them. Even though this is not generally a problem here in the United States, there are still other countries where this applies to this day. Christians going through those circumstances today need our prayers as much as Paul needed the prayers of the Philippian church in the 1st century AD.

[JT]