12 Now I want you to know , brethren , that my circumstances e have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel , 13 so that my [1] imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole [2]praetorian guard and to everyone else , 14 and that most of the [3]brethren , trusting in the Lord because of my [4] imprisonment , have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear . 15 Some , to be sure , are preaching Christ even [5]from envy and strife , but some also [5]from good will ; 16 the latter do it out of love , knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel ; 17 the former e proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition [7]rather than from pure motives , thinking to cause me distress in my [8] imprisonment . 18 What then ? Only that in every way , whether in pretense or in truth , Christ is proclaimed ; and in this I rejoice . Yes , and I will rejoice , 19 for I know that this will turn out for my [9]deliverance through your [10]prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ , 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope , that I will not be put to shame in anything , but that with all boldness , Christ will even now , as always , be exalted in my body , whether by life or by death .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Philippians 1:12-20
Commentary on Philippians 1:12-20
(Read Philippians 1:12-20)
The apostle was a prisoner at Rome; and to take off the offence of the cross, he shows the wisdom and goodness of God in his sufferings. These things made him known, where he would never have otherwise been known; and led some to inquire after the gospel. He suffered from false friends, as well as from enemies. How wretched the temper of those who preached Christ out of envy and contention, and to add affliction to the bonds that oppressed this best of men! The apostle was easy in the midst of all. Since our troubles may tend to the good of many, we ought to rejoice. Whatever turns to our salvation, is by the Spirit of Christ; and prayer is the appointed means of seeking for it. Our earnest expectation and hope should not be to be honoured of men, or to escape the cross, but to be upheld amidst temptation, contempt, and affliction. Let us leave it to Christ, which way he will make us serviceable to his glory, whether by labour or suffering, by diligence or patience, by living to his honour in working for him, or dying to his honour in suffering for him.