Philippians 1 summary meaning ai explained commentary

Philippians 1 meaning explained in AI Summary

Paul's Thanksgiving and Prayer (1:1-11)

Greeting and Introduction (1:1-2): Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ, greet the saints (believers) in Philippi, including the bishops (overseers) and deacons.
Thanksgiving for Partnership (1:3-5): Paul expresses deep joy and thanks to God for the Philippian church's partnership in the gospel from the beginning.
Confidence in God's Work (1:6): He is confident that God, who began a good work in them, will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Affection and Longing (1:7-8): Paul deeply cares for the Philippians and longs for them with the affection of Christ Jesus.
Prayer for Growth in Love (1:9-11): He prays that their love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so they may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ.

Paul's Circumstances and the Advancement of the Gospel (1:12-26)

Imprisonment for Christ (1:12-14): Paul shares that his imprisonment has actually served to advance the gospel, making it known throughout the whole palace guard and beyond.
Different Motives for Preaching (1:15-18a): He acknowledges that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but he rejoices that Christ is proclaimed, regardless of the motive.
Life or Death, Christ is Exalted (1:18b-21): Paul is torn between the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better, and the need to remain and serve the Philippians. He is confident that, whether by life or by death, Christ will be exalted in his body.
Living for Christ (1:22-26): He desires to live on for their spiritual progress and joy in the faith, knowing that his presence will encourage them.

Key Themes:

Joy in the midst of suffering: Paul models joy and thankfulness despite his imprisonment.
Partnership in the gospel: He emphasizes the importance of working together to spread the gospel.
Confidence in God's faithfulness: Paul trusts that God will complete the work He began in the Philippians.
The supremacy of Christ: Whether in life or death, Paul's ultimate goal is to exalt Christ.

This chapter sets the tone for the rest of the letter, emphasizing joy, unity, and perseverance in the faith.

Philippians 1 bible study ai commentary

Philippians 1 is a deeply personal and theological chapter. Paul expresses profound joy and affection for the Philippian church, seeing his imprisonment not as a setback but as an opportunity for the gospel's advancement. His perspective is radically Christ-centered, famously summarized in his desire that "to live is Christ, and to die is gain." The chapter culminates in an appeal for the church to live united and courageously, in a manner worthy of the gospel they profess.

Philippians 1 Context

The Apostle Paul is writing from prison, most likely in Rome (around AD 60-62). Philippi was a prominent Roman colony in Macedonia, and its citizens were proud of their Roman status. Paul founded this church on his second missionary journey (Acts 16), and they maintained a uniquely supportive and loving financial partnership with him. The letter's themes of joy, suffering, citizenship, and unity must be read against this backdrop of Roman imperial ideology and Paul's personal hardship.

Philippians 1:1-2

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

In-depth-analysis

Paul and Timothy: Timothy is co-author, but Paul is the primary voice. Including Timothy honors him and commends him to the church.
Servants (doulos): This Greek word means "slave." It denotes total ownership and allegiance to a master. Instead of asserting his apostolic authority, Paul begins with humility, placing himself and Timothy under the complete authority of Christ.
Saints (hagioi): Means "holy ones" or "set-apart ones." This is a positional identity for all believers, not a statement of moral perfection. Their sainthood is "in Christ Jesus."
Overseers (episkopoi) and Deacons (diakonoi): This is the only one of Paul's letters that greets the church leaders specifically in the opening. It shows an established church structure and likely honors the leaders who facilitated the gift sent to Paul. Episkopoi (overseers/bishops) managed and taught, while diakonoi (deacons/servants) handled practical ministry needs.

Bible references

Romans 1:1: 'Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle...' (Paul's common self-identification).
1 Corinthians 1:2: 'To the church of God... to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints...' (The identity of the church as 'saints').
1 Timothy 3:1-13: 'The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer...' (Detailed qualifications for these church offices).

Cross references

Acts 16:1 (Timothy joins Paul), Gal 1:10 (servant of Christ), Acts 20:28 (elders/overseers), Eph 1:1 (to the saints).

Philippians 1:3-6

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

In-depth-analysis

Joy: A key theme of the entire letter. Paul's joy is rooted in the Philippians' faithfulness, not his own circumstances.
Partnership (koinonia): A crucial word. It means fellowship, communion, and joint participation. Their partnership was practical (financial gifts) and spiritual (sharing in the mission and suffering of the gospel).
From the first day: A reference to their immediate support and belief since the church was founded in Acts 16.
He who began a good work... will bring it to completion: This is a profound statement of divine sovereignty in salvation and sanctification. The assurance of a believer's perseverance is based on God's faithfulness and power, not their own.
Day of Jesus Christ: The eschatological return of Christ, the goal toward which all of redemptive history is moving.

Bible references

1 John 1:3: 'that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us...' (Koinonia/Fellowship).
Ephesians 2:10: 'For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works...' (God as the initiator and craftsman of our salvation).
Jude 1:24: 'Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless...' (God's power to preserve His people).

Cross references

Rom 8:28-30 (God's golden chain of salvation), Heb 12:2 (Jesus as the author and perfecter of faith), 1 Cor 1:8 (God will sustain you to the end), 2 Cor 8:1-4 (The Macedonians' generosity).

Philippians 1:7-8

It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.

In-depth-analysis

Partakers (sugkoinōnos) with me of grace: A form of koinonia. They share not only in Paul's mission but also in the divine grace that sustains him in his suffering ("imprisonment") and his ministry ("defense and confirmation").
Defense (apologia) and confirmation (bebaiōsis): Legal terms. Apologia is a reasoned defense of the faith. Bebaiōsis is the confirmation or establishment of its truth.
Affection (splanchnois) of Christ Jesus: This Greek word refers to the inward parts or "guts." It denotes the deepest, most visceral compassion and love. Paul's love for them is not merely human; it is the very love of Christ working through him.

Bible references

2 Timothy 1:8: 'Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel...' (The call to share in suffering).
Romans 1:9: 'For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son...' (Calling God as a witness to one's sincere affections).
2 Corinthians 5:14: 'For the love of Christ controls us...' (Being compelled by Christ's love).

Cross references

Eph 3:1 (prisoner for Christ), Col 4:18 (remember my chains), 1 Th 2:17 (Paul's deep longing for a church).

Philippians 1:9-11

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

In-depth-analysis

Love may abound with knowledge and discernment: Paul prays for a love that is not merely sentimental but is intelligent and discerning. True Christian love makes wise judgments based on godly knowledge.
Approve what is excellent: The goal of this knowledgeable love is to test and approve things that truly matter, distinguishing between good and best, right and wrong.
Pure and blameless: The ethical outworking of this discernment. "Pure" relates to internal motive; "blameless" to external conduct. This is the goal for the final judgment ("the day of Christ").
Fruit of righteousness: This is not self-generated righteousness, but a righteousness that "comes through Jesus Christ." It is the result of being in right relationship with God, analogous to a healthy tree bearing good fruit.

Bible references

John 15:8: 'By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit...' (Fruit-bearing as evidence of discipleship).
Ephesians 5:8-10: 'walk as children of light... and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.' (The call to walk in light and discernment).
Hebrews 5:14: 'But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained...' (Discernment as a mark of spiritual maturity).

Cross references

Rom 12:2 (renewing the mind to discern God's will), 1 Th 3:12-13 (love abounding), Gal 5:22-23 (fruit of the Spirit).

Philippians 1:12-18

I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will... What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.

In-depth-analysis

Advance the gospel: A paradoxical statement. What should have stopped the gospel (Paul's imprisonment) has actually propelled it forward. This is a key theme of God's sovereignty over human evil and hardship.
Imperial guard (praitōrion): The elite soldiers guarding the emperor or, in this context, Paul in his Roman imprisonment. The gospel reached the very heart of Roman power.
Preaching from envy... and goodwill: Paul identifies two motives among other preachers. Some were jealous of Paul and sought to cause him distress. Others were genuinely motivated by love.
Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice: Paul's radical, Christ-centered response. His personal comfort and reputation were secondary to the primary goal: the proclamation of Christ. As long as the true message was preached, he could rejoice, regardless of the preacher's impure motives.

Bible references

Genesis 50:20: 'As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good...' (The classic Old Testament example of God's sovereignty over evil intentions).
Acts 8:4: 'Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.' (Persecution leading to gospel advance).
1 Corinthians 3:5-7: 'I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything...' (Focus on God as the source of growth, not the human instrument).

Cross references

2 Tim 2:9 (the word of God is not bound), Acts 28:30-31 (Paul preaching under house arrest), 1 Cor 9:16 (woe to me if I do not preach the gospel).

Polemics

This section stands in stark contrast to any "health and wealth" or prosperity gospel, where hardship is seen as a sign of God's displeasure. For Paul, hardship is the very context for God's power and the gospel's advance. It also polemicizes against a "personality cult" mentality in ministry; the message of Christ is infinitely more important than the messenger or their motives.

Philippians 1:19-21

...for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

In-depth-analysis

Deliverance (sōtēria): This can mean either release from prison or, more profoundly, his ultimate salvation and vindication, regardless of the earthly outcome.
Christ will be honored (megalunō) in my body: Paul's supreme ambition is for Christ to be magnified, made large, and seen as glorious through his physical existence, whether he lives or dies. His body is simply the stage for Christ's glory.
For to me, to live is Christ: The essence of Christian existence. Life's purpose, meaning, power, and goal is Christ Himself. Every aspect of living is defined by Him.
and to die is gain: Death is not a loss for the believer but a gain, because it means being immediately and more fully in the presence of Christ, which is "far better" (v. 23).

Bible references

Romans 14:8: 'For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.' (The Lordship of Christ over all of life and death).
2 Corinthians 5:8: 'Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.' (The believer's desire to be with Christ after death).
Galatians 2:20: 'I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.' (The exchanged life in Christ).

Cross references

Acts 20:24 (counting life as nothing to finish the race), 2 Cor 4:10 (carrying in the body the death of Jesus), Rev 14:13 (blessed are the dead who die in the Lord).

Polemics

This is a direct polemic against the Greco-Roman fear of death and the Epicurean motto "Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die." Paul presents a radically different worldview where death has lost its sting and is transformed into a desirable "gain" because of Christ.

Philippians 1:22-26

If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account... Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith...

In-depth-analysis

Hard pressed between the two: Paul articulates the core tension of the mature believer: the personal desire for heaven ("to depart and be with Christ") versus the ministerial call to serve others on earth ("to remain... for your progress").
To depart and be with Christ: This phrase suggests a conscious existence immediately after death in the presence of Jesus. It is a powerful argument against "soul sleep."
Far better (pollō mallon kreisson): An emphatic triple superlative in Greek. It is "much more better" by a huge margin.
Progress (prokopē) and joy in the faith: This is why Paul is willing to remain. His purpose in living is for the spiritual growth and joy of the believers he serves.

Bible references

Luke 23:43: 'And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”' (Jesus' promise to the thief, suggesting immediate presence with him after death).
John 21:15-17: 'He said to him, “Feed my lambs.”' (The call to serve God's people as the primary expression of love for Christ).
1 Thessalonians 4:17: '...and so we will always be with the Lord.' (The ultimate hope of believers).

Cross references

2 Cor 1:24 (we work with you for your joy), Rom 1:11-12 (imparting a spiritual gift to strengthen believers), 2 Tim 4:6-8 (Paul ready to depart at the end of his life).

Philippians 1:27-30

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

In-depth-analysis

Let your manner of life be worthy (politeuesthe): The verb means "live as a citizen." In the context of the Roman colony of Philippi, Paul's command is electric. He tells them to live as citizens of heaven, with their conduct reflecting the values of that kingdom and its King, Jesus.
Standing firm in one spirit, with one mind: Unity is the primary mark of a life worthy of the gospel. This is not uniformity, but a shared purpose and resolve.
Striving side by side (sunathlountes): An athletic term, "competing together." It pictures the church as a team united in the struggle to advance the faith.
Not frightened by your opponents: Their fearless unity in the face of opposition serves as a divine sign (endeixis): to the opponents, it is a sign of their coming judgment; to the believers, it is a sign of their ultimate salvation.
Granted (echaristhē) to you... to suffer: Suffering is presented not as a curse but as a gracious gift from God, a privilege that unites believers with Christ's own struggle.

Bible references

Ephesians 4:1-3: 'I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling... eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit...' (A parallel exhortation for worthy living marked by unity).
Matthew 5:10-12: 'Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.' (Suffering for Christ as a blessing).
1 Peter 4:12-13: 'Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you... but rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings...' (Suffering as a means of sharing in Christ's glory).

Cross references

Col 1:10 (walk in a manner worthy of the Lord), 1 Th 2:12 (walk worthy of God), Jude 1:3 (contend for the faith), Acts 5:41 (rejoicing to be counted worthy to suffer).

Philippians chapter 1 analysis

The Paradox of Sovereignty and Suffering: Throughout the chapter, Paul models a profound trust in God's sovereign purposes. His imprisonment, his opponents' envy, and the threat of death are all viewed through the lens of God's power to advance the gospel and magnify Christ. Hardship is not a deviation from the plan; it is central to it.
Citizenship (Politeuma): While the noun appears later (3:20), the verb form (politeuesthe) in 1:27 is the chapter's main imperative. The command to "live as citizens worthy of the gospel" would have resonated deeply in Philippi, a Roman colony. It's a call to display a higher allegiance and a different culture—the culture of heaven—in the midst of the Roman Empire. Their unity and fearless suffering were political statements about who their true Lord and King was.
The Primacy of Christ: Every section revolves around Jesus Christ. Paul is His doulos, believers are saints in Christ, God's work will be completed on the day of Christ, Paul's affection is the affection of Christ, the fruit of righteousness comes through Christ, imprisonment is for Christ, to live is Christ, departure is to be with Christ, and suffering is for the sake of Christ.

Philippians 1 summary

Paul writes from prison, expressing deep, joyful affection for the Philippian believers and their partnership in the gospel. He sees his own suffering as a vehicle for the gospel's advance, rejoicing that Christ is proclaimed regardless of others' motives. Articulating the classic Christian dilemma, "to live is Christ, and to die is gain," he chooses to remain for the church's benefit. He concludes by exhorting them to live as united and fearless citizens of heaven, embracing even suffering as a God-given privilege that identifies them with Christ.

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Philippians chapter 1 kjv

¹ Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
² Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
³ I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
⁴ Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
⁵ For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;
⁶ Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
⁷ Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
⁸ For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.
⁹ And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;
¹⁰ That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.
¹¹ Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
¹² But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
¹³ So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;
¹⁴ And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
¹⁵ Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
¹⁶ The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
¹⁷ But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
¹⁸ What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
¹⁹ For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
²⁰ According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
²¹ For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
²² But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.
²³ For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
²⁴ Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.
²⁵ And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;
²⁶ That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.
²⁷ Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
²⁸ And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
²⁹ For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
³⁰ Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

Philippians chapter 1 nkjv

¹ Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
² Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
³ I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
⁴ always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy,
⁵ for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now,
⁶ being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
⁷ just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.
⁸ For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.
⁹ And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment,
¹⁰ that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ,
¹¹ being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
¹² But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel,
¹³ so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ;
¹⁴ and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
¹⁵ Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill:
¹⁶ The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains;
¹⁷ but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.
¹⁸ What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.
¹⁹ For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
²⁰ according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.
²¹ For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
²² But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell.
²³ For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.
²⁴ Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.
²⁵ And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith,
²⁶ that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.
²⁷ Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,
²⁸ and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.
²⁹ For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
³⁰ having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.

Philippians chapter 1 niv

¹ Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God's holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:
² Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
³ I thank my God every time I remember you.
⁴ In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy
⁵ because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,
⁶ being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
⁷ It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me.
⁸ God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
⁹ And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,
¹⁰ so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
¹¹ filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ?to the glory and praise of God.
¹² Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.
¹³ As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.
¹⁴ And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
¹⁵ It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.
¹⁶ The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.
¹⁷ The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.
¹⁸ But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,
¹⁹ for I know that through your prayers and God's provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.
²⁰ I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will 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 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!
²³ I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;
²⁴ but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
²⁵ Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,
²⁶ so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.
²⁷ Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel
²⁸ without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved?and that by God.
²⁹ For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,
³⁰ since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

Philippians chapter 1 esv

¹ Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:
² Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
³ I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,
⁴ always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy,
⁵ because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.
⁶ And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
⁷ It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.
⁸ For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.
⁹ And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment,
¹⁰ so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
¹¹ filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
¹² I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel,
¹³ so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.
¹⁴ And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
¹⁵ Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will.
¹⁶ The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.
¹⁷ The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment.
¹⁸ What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. To Live Is Christ Yes, and I will rejoice,
¹⁹ for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance,
²⁰ as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.
²¹ For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
²² If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell.
²³ I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.
²⁴ But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.
²⁵ Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith,
²⁶ so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.
²⁷ Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,
²⁸ and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.
²⁹ For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,
³⁰ engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

Philippians chapter 1 nlt

¹ This letter is from Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus. I am writing to all of God's holy people in Philippi who belong to Christ Jesus, including the church leaders and deacons.
² May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
³ Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.
⁴ Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy,
⁵ for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now.
⁶ And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
⁷ So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News.
⁸ God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.
⁹ I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.
¹⁰ For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ's return.
¹¹ May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation ? the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ ? for this will bring much glory and praise to God.
¹² And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News.
¹³ For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ.
¹⁴ And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God's message without fear.
¹⁵ It's true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives.
¹⁶ They preach because they love me, for they know I have been appointed to defend the Good News.
¹⁷ Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me.
¹⁸ But that doesn't matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice.
¹⁹ For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance.
²⁰ For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die.
²¹ For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.
²² But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don't know which is better.
²³ I'm torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me.
²⁴ But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.
²⁵ Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith.
²⁶ And when I come to you again, you will have even more reason to take pride in Christ Jesus because of what he is doing through me.
²⁷ Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.
²⁸ Don't be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself.
²⁹ For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him.
³⁰ We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it.