Philippians 1 28

Philippians 1:28 kjv

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.

Philippians 1:28 nkjv

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.

Philippians 1:28 niv

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.

Philippians 1:28 esv

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.

Philippians 1:28 nlt

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.

Philippians 1 verses

Philippians 1 28 Meaning

Philippians 1:28 assures believers that their lack of fear in the face of adversaries serves as a clear, divine demonstration: for their persecutors, it is an evident sign of impending ruin or judgment, while for the believers themselves, it is an unmistakable token of their divine salvation, established by God. This fearlessness in suffering points to a supernatural empowerment and an eternal truth regarding God's work.

Philippians 1 28 Context

Philippians 1:28 stands as a powerful call to steadfastness and courage amidst opposition. The broader context of Philippians chapter 1 reveals Paul's perspective on suffering and imprisonment:

• Paul's Imprisonment (Phil 1:7, 13-14): Paul writes from prison, but instead of lamenting, he declares that his chains have actually advanced the Gospel. This sets the tone for joy in suffering.
• Gospel Advancement (Phil 1:12-18): Despite motives, the preaching of Christ—even in Paul's adversity—brings him joy.
• Suffering and Partnership (Phil 1:5, 7, 29): The Philippians are partners in the Gospel, even sharing in Paul's sufferings. Verse 29 explicitly states that suffering for Christ is a privilege granted by God.
• Call to Stand Firm (Phil 1:27): Immediately preceding verse 28, Paul urges them to "stand firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel." Verse 28 explains how their steadfastness impacts both themselves and their opponents, giving a supernatural dimension to their courage. The historical context indicates that early Christians often faced legal, social, and physical hostility for their faith, making this message profoundly relevant.

Philippians 1 28 Word analysis

• And in nothing terrified (καὶ ἐν μηδενὶ πτύρομαι – kai en mēdeni ptyromai):
  • καὶ (kai): "And" connects this clause directly to the previous exhortation to stand firm. It emphasizes the consequence of standing firm.
  • ἐν μηδενὶ (en mēdeni): "In nothing," "by no means," or "in no respect." It is an emphatic negative, stressing absolute fearlessness. Not merely "don't be afraid," but "let no single thing or situation cause you to be afraid."
  • πτύρομαι (ptyromai): This Greek verb means "to be terrified," "to be scared by," "to be startled," or "to stampede" (used for horses). It conveys a sense of being frightened out of one's composure, being driven away by fear. The passive voice suggests that this terror is an external force acting upon them, but they are called to resist it. This fearlessness isn't an absence of emotion, but a divine empowerment that prevents them from being utterly routed or overwhelmed. It is courage rooted in trust.
• by your adversaries (ὑπὸ τῶν ἀντικειμένων – hypo tōn antikeimenōn):
  • ὑπὸ (hypo): "By," indicating the agent causing the terror.
  • τῶν ἀντικειμένων (tōn antikeimenōn): This term literally means "those who are set against," "opponents," or "adversaries." It refers to any opposition faced by the Christians—Jewish opponents, Roman authorities, or any pagan accusers. These are active opponents who stand contrary to their faith and mission, causing persecution or social hostility.
• which is to them an evident token of perdition (ἥτις αὐτοῖς ἐστιν ἔνδειξις ἀπωλείας – hētis autois estin endeixis apōleias):
  • ἥτις (hētis): "Which," referring back to the "not being terrified" or the general conduct of the believers.
  • αὐτοῖς (autois): "To them," referring to the adversaries.
  • ἔνδειξις (endeixis): This is a strong term, meaning "a clear sign," "demonstration," "proof," or "attestation." It signifies a public and undeniable display. The steadfastness of believers, particularly their courage in suffering, is not merely an internal spiritual state but an outward testimony that cannot be missed by their opponents. It’s a visible, divine proclamation.
  • ἀπωλείας (apōleias): "Of perdition," "of destruction," "of ruin." It signifies utter loss, a state of spiritual and eternal damnation or judgment. The opponents' persistent hostility against God's people, confronted by the believers' supernatural peace, is a clear harbinger of the divine judgment awaiting those who stand against Christ. This is not about human vengeance but divine revelation.
• but to you of salvation (ὑμῖν δὲ σωτηρίας – hymin de sōtērias):
  • ὑμῖν δὲ (hymin de): "But to you," establishing a sharp contrast with the adversaries.
  • σωτηρίας (sōtērias): "Of salvation." This encompasses rescue from sin and its consequences, deliverance, and ultimately eternal life with God. The steadfastness and fearless faith of the believers in the face of suffering is proof of their authentic relationship with God and their guaranteed future salvation. Suffering, when embraced with Christ-like courage, marks them as true recipients of God's saving grace.
• and that of God (καὶ τοῦτο ἀπὸ θεοῦ – kai touto apo theou):
  • καὶ τοῦτο (kai touto): "And this," referring to the entire situation – both the opponents' perdition and the believers' salvation.
  • ἀπὸ θεοῦ (apo theou): "From God." This crucial phrase attributes the entire reality to divine origination. The fearlessness of believers, the judgmental sign for opponents, and the guaranteed salvation for believers are not matters of human strength, courage, or coincidence, but sovereignly determined and effected by God. This underscores divine agency and purpose in the believers' suffering and endurance.

Words-group Analysis:

• "And in nothing terrified by your adversaries": This phrase emphasizes the radical, God-given courage believers are to possess. It’s not just about overcoming fear, but about having a spirit completely unshaken by external threats or opponents, however powerful they seem. This fearlessness demonstrates supernatural calm in the storm.
• "which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation": This forms a striking dichotomy and highlights a spiritual reality: the very same situation (the believers' unshakeable resolve amidst persecution) is interpreted differently based on one's relationship with God. For opponents, it's a visible confirmation of their self-condemnation through rejecting God's purposes; for believers, it’s a living testament to God's saving power at work in them. It points to an underlying spiritual battle with eternal consequences.
• "and that of God": This concluding phrase underlines divine sovereignty. Both the judgment facing the adversaries and the salvation experienced by believers originate directly from God. It transforms human suffering into a stage for God's ultimate plan and judgment to be displayed, giving profound theological weight to the experience of Christian endurance. It is God who grants the courage and establishes the spiritual outcomes.

Philippians 1 28 Bonus section

The "evident token" (ἔνδειξις) mentioned in this verse carries legal or public demonstration overtones. It's not just an internal feeling, but an outward display, almost like a piece of evidence presented in court. The fearless suffering of the Christians serves as divine proof. For the adversaries, this proof points to a pre-determined spiritual "perdition" (ἀπώλεια), which is more than just destruction; it is often linked with an irreversible, total ruin, a final separation from life or good. For believers, the same external circumstance reveals an established "salvation" (σωτηρία), implying not just rescue from a bad situation, but being brought into a state of wholeness, safety, and ultimate eternal flourishing with God. This divine perspective provides context for all suffering: it is not purposeless but has profound eternal implications.

Philippians 1 28 Commentary

Philippians 1:28 is a profound declaration of spiritual warfare and divine assurance. Paul encourages believers not to be dismayed or terrified by any opposition they face. Their steadfast, fearless bearing in the face of adversaries is not merely an admirable human trait; it carries cosmic and eternal significance. This very endurance acts as an undeniable public demonstration, a clear signal, sent from God.

For those who oppose the Gospel and persecute believers, this courageous stand functions as an "evident token" (ἔνδειξις) of their own "perdition" (ἀπώλεια). It means their continued hostility, met with God's people's unwavering faith, serves as a proof-point of their spiritual blindness and their destined ultimate ruin, separated from God. Their inability to conquer the Church despite their best efforts is a testament to God's invincible power and their own coming judgment.

Conversely, for the believers themselves, their serene and courageous endurance under trial is an equally clear "token" of their "salvation" (σωτηρία). It verifies the authenticity of their faith, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and their secure standing as God's redeemed children. This divine enablement to suffer without being terrified is itself part of the process and evidence of their ultimate deliverance and eternal life with God. The power of God is made perfect in their weakness.

The phrase "and that of God" (καὶ τοῦτο ἀπὸ θεοῦ) is paramount. It attributes the entire dynamic – the unwavering courage, the resulting sign to adversaries, and the validation of believers' salvation – directly to God's sovereign hand. This courage isn't self-generated; it's a divine gift. The outcome of judgment for one group and salvation for the other isn't coincidence or human choice alone, but flows from God's righteous determination. This verse elevates the experience of persecution from a personal hardship to a divinely orchestrated public testimony of God's power, judgment, and saving grace, strengthening believers with ultimate assurance in God's faithfulness and ultimate triumph.

• Example 1: When a Christian calmly forgives and prays for their persecutors, demonstrating inner peace instead of revenge, this unflappable demeanor is a sign to their adversaries of their own eventual judgment, while for the Christian, it is a mark of divine grace at work, confirming their salvation.
• Example 2: In oppressive regimes, believers worshipping openly despite threats, and refusing to deny Christ even when facing imprisonment, exemplifies this fearless stance. Their resolute faith becomes a stark testimony of impending judgment for the oppressive regime, but for the believers, it powerfully attests to their unbreakable bond with Christ and guaranteed eternal salvation.