Philippians 1 14

Philippians 1:14 kjv

And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Philippians 1:14 nkjv

and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Philippians 1:14 niv

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.

Philippians 1:14 esv

And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Philippians 1:14 nlt

And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God's message without fear.

Philippians 1 verses

Philippians 1 14 Meaning

Philippians 1:14 means that because Paul was imprisoned for the sake of the gospel, many believers who were united with the Lord became more confident and courageous. This confidence enabled them to speak the word of God freely and without fear, thereby advancing the gospel despite Paul's chains. His suffering served as a powerful encouragement for the body of Christ to become more audacious in their proclamation.

Philippians 1 14 Context

Philippians 1:14 is embedded within Paul's opening remarks to the church in Philippi, specifically his explanation of his imprisonment (1:12-26). He wants them to understand that his chains, which might seem like a setback, have actually furthered the gospel. He had previously informed them (and they likely heard from Epaphroditus) about his arrest and trial, and he is reassuring them that God is working through these difficult circumstances. Verse 14 is a specific illustration of how his personal suffering paradoxically catalyzed increased boldness among other believers, serving to expand gospel proclamation rather than hindering it. The historical context is Paul's first Roman imprisonment (circa AD 60-62), during which he wrote several letters, including Philippians.

Philippians 1 14 Word analysis

• and that most (καὶ τοὺς πλείονας): "Most" (πλείονας - pleionas) indicates a significant portion, but not all. This highlights a widespread positive impact. The adversity Paul faced prompted a majority of fellow believers to act, implying a powerful spiritual movement beyond just a few individuals.
• of the brethren (τῶν ἀδελφῶν - tōn adelphōn): Refers to fellow believers, the Christian community. This emphasizes the communal and corporate nature of faith and ministry. They are spiritual family.
• in the Lord (ἐν Κυρίῳ - en Kyriō): This common Pauline phrase signifies being united with Christ, belonging to Him, or living in the sphere of His influence and power. It's the source of their new identity and strength, showing that their confidence is not from human courage but from their relationship with Jesus Christ. Their actions are empowered by this divine union.
• having become confident (πεποιθότας - pepoithotas): From peitho, meaning to persuade, to trust, to have confidence. It suggests a settled conviction or assurance, an inner reliance. This is not mere recklessness, but a conviction rooted in spiritual understanding and faith, stemming directly from their observation of Paul.
• by my chains (τοῖς δεσμοῖς μου - tois desmois mou): "Chains" (desmois) refers to Paul's imprisonment. This is the paradoxical catalyst. Rather than causing fear or disheartenment, Paul's unjust suffering for the gospel message authenticated its power and God's faithfulness in his life, giving courage to others. This counterintuitive effect testifies to God's sovereign work.
• are much more bold (περισσοτέρως τολμᾶν - perissoterōs tolman):
  • "Much more" (perissoterōs): Denotes an increased degree, exceedingly or abundantly more. Their boldness surpassed what it might have been otherwise.
  • "Bold" (tolman): To dare, to venture, to have courage, often implying a risk. It’s an active and resolute posture.
• to speak the word (τὸν λόγον λαλεῖν - ton logon lalein):
  • "The word" (ton logon): Refers to the Word of God, specifically the gospel message. This is the divine truth and message they are proclaiming.
  • "To speak" (lalein): To declare, to proclaim. It signifies open, public utterance, not secret or timid murmuring.
• without fear (ἀφόβως - aphobōs): A key adverb meaning without terror or dread. This highlights the spiritual victory over intimidation and opposition. This lack of fear is a direct manifestation of divine empowerment in the face of circumstances that would typically induce fear.

Words-group Analysis:

• "and that most of the brethren in the Lord": This phrase highlights the scope and spiritual foundation of the emboldened believers. It wasn't just a few individuals but a significant segment of the Christian community, and their courage flowed from their living relationship with Christ, emphasizing a corporate, Christ-centered transformation.
• "having become confident by my chains": This forms a striking paradox. What typically brings shame and silence (imprisonment) here inspires confidence and boldness. Paul's steadfastness and God's faithfulness through his suffering became a visible, powerful testament that encouraged others not to shrink back but to press forward in ministry. It demonstrated that God's power is made perfect in weakness.
• "are much more bold to speak the word without fear": This phrase captures the immediate result and character of the believers' actions. The effect was a heightened, active proclamation of the gospel, utterly unhindered by fear. It underscores that spiritual courage enabled them to carry on the evangelistic task with greater liberty and conviction, even in potentially hostile environments.

Philippians 1 14 Bonus section

The ripple effect described in this verse suggests a spiritual contagion of courage. It counters the ancient world's belief that a person's chains indicated divine disfavor or weakness, instead showing them as a platform for God's glory. This dynamic underscores that genuine spiritual authority and effectiveness do not stem from worldly power or comfort but from fidelity to Christ amidst hardship. The fearlessness exhibited by the believers is not merely human grit, but a divinely enabled aphobia (absence of fear), likely empowered by the Holy Spirit who often gifts believers with boldness (Acts 4:31). Paul's emphasis on "the Lord" in this verse signifies that the foundation for their newfound confidence was entirely Christ-centric, drawing on His strength and presence, not on any innate human bravery. This challenges self-reliance, highlighting dependence on God.

Philippians 1 14 Commentary

Philippians 1:14 vividly portrays how divine power operates contrary to worldly expectations. Paul, confined and restrained by chains, becomes not a deterrent but an impetus for gospel advancement. His suffering authenticates the message he proclaims, demonstrating that God's strength is sufficient even in the most vulnerable positions. The "brethren in the Lord" were inspired by witnessing Paul's unwavering faith and peace despite his circumstances. They understood that if Paul could endure imprisonment and still rejoice (as implied in the letter), then their own proclamation, potentially facing lesser threats, was entirely justified and safe in God's hands. This realization dispelled their fears, granting them a supernatural boldness. This verse is a testament to the powerful impact of a faithful servant's example and God's ability to turn human adversity into spiritual triumph, transforming timid followers into fearless proclaimers of "the word."

• Example 1: A leader facing unjust accusation responds with grace, causing junior colleagues to speak up for truth confidently.
• Example 2: Witnessing a believer's unwavering testimony through a terminal illness encourages others in their prayer lives.
• Example 3: A church enduring persecution steadfastly strengthens neighboring, less-persecuted churches to be more public in their faith.