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 .
21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain . 22 [11]But if I am to live on in the flesh , this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know [12]which to choose . 23 But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ , for that is very much better ; 24 yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake . 25 Convinced of this , I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy [13]in the faith , 26 so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again .
27 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ , so that whether I come and see you or remain absent , I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit , with one [14]mind striving together for the faith of the gospel ;
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Philippians 1:12-27
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.
Commentary on Philippians 1:21-26
(Read Philippians 1:21-26)
Death is a great loss to a carnal, worldly man, for he loses all his earthly comforts and all his hopes; but to a true believer it is gain, for it is the end of all his weakness and misery. It delivers him from all the evils of life, and brings him to possess the chief good. The apostle's difficulty was not between living in this world and living in heaven; between these two there is no comparison; but between serving Christ in this world and enjoying him in another. Not between two evil things, but between two good things; living to Christ and being with him. See the power of faith and of Divine grace; it can make us willing to die. In this world we are compassed with sin; but when with Christ, we shall escape sin and temptation, sorrow and death, for ever. But those who have most reason to desire to depart, should be willing to remain in the world as long as God has any work for them to do. And the more unexpected mercies are before they come, the more of God will be seen in them.
Commentary on Philippians 1:27-30
(Read Philippians 1:27-30)
Those who profess the gospel of Christ, should live as becomes those who believe gospel truths, submit to gospel laws, and depend upon gospel promises. The original word "conversation" denotes the conduct of citizens who seek the credit, safety, peace, and prosperity of their city. There is that in the faith of the gospel, which is worth striving for; there is much opposition, and there is need of striving. A man may sleep and go to hell; but he who would go to heaven, must look about him and be diligent. There may be oneness of heart and affection among Christians, where there is diversity of judgment about many things. Faith is God's gift on the behalf of Christ; the ability and disposition to believe are from God. And if we suffer reproach and loss for Christ, we are to reckon them a gift, and prize them accordingly. Yet salvation must not be ascribed to bodily afflictions, as though afflictions and worldly persecutions deserved it; but from God only is salvation: faith and patience are his gifts.