12 And I wish you to know, brethren, that the things concerning me, rather to an advancement of the good news have come, 13 so that my bonds have become manifest in Christ in the whole praetorium, and to the other places—all, 14 and the greater part of the brethren in the Lord, having confidence by my bonds, are more abundantly bold—fearlessly to speak the word. 15 Certain, indeed, even through envy and contention, and certain also through good-will, do preach the Christ; 16 the one, indeed, of rivalry the Christ do proclaim, not purely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds, 17 and the other out of love, having known that for defence of the good news I am set: 18 what then? in every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is proclaimed—and in this I rejoice, yea, and shall rejoice. 19 For I have known that this shall fall out to me for salvation, through your supplication, and the supply of the Spirit of Christ Jesus, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, and in all freedom, as always, also now Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether through life or through 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.