Read & explore together
Paul’s Trials Advance the Gospel
Paul explains that his hardship has not stopped the gospel. In these verses he shows how his chains, other people’s preaching, prayer, and his own hope all connect to the honour of Christ.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
This part of Philippians is written as personal news and teaching. Paul wants the believers to understand what his situation has actually produced. He speaks about his bonds, the palace guard, other preachers, the prayers of the believers, and his hope that Christ will be magnified in his body.
Philippians 1:12–20Main takeaway
Paul teaches that even in suffering, what matters most is that Christ is proclaimed and honoured.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Hardship can serve the progress of the gospelPaul begins by correcting assumptions about his troubles. He says the things that happened to him have turned out for the progress of the Good News.
Explanation
Paul begins by correcting assumptions about his troubles. He says the things that happened to him have turned out for the progress of the Good News. His bonds are not presented as a defeat. Instead, they have made it clear to the palace guard and others that his chains are in Christ.
02Paul’s chains encourage others to speakPaul says most of the brothers in the Lord have become more confident through his bonds. Because of this, they are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear.
Explanation
Paul says most of the brothers in the Lord have become more confident through his bonds. Because of this, they are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear. The passage shows that one believer’s suffering can strengthen other believers to keep speaking faithfully.
03Christ is preached from mixed motivesPaul is realistic about motives. Some preach Christ out of envy, strife, and selfish ambition, while others act out of good will and love.
Explanation
Paul is realistic about motives. Some preach Christ out of envy, strife, and selfish ambition, while others act out of good will and love. The loving group understands that Paul is appointed for the defence of the Good News. The selfish group wants to add affliction to his chains.
04Joy, prayer, and the honour of ChristPaul still rejoices because Christ is proclaimed, whether in pretense or truth. He then looks ahead with confidence that this will turn out to his salvation through the believers’ prayers and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.
Explanation
Paul still rejoices because Christ is proclaimed, whether in pretense or truth. He then looks ahead with confidence that this will turn out to his salvation through the believers’ prayers and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. His great hope is boldness, so that Christ will be magnified in his body, whether by life or by death.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What two results of Paul’s bonds does he want the believers to notice?
Look for one result among the palace guard and one result among the brothers who become bold to speak.
02How does Paul describe the different motives of people who preach Christ?
Compare the words used for envy, strife, and selfish ambition with the words good will and love.
03What is Paul’s main hope for his own body, whether he lives or dies?
Notice the phrase about Christ being magnified and connect it with Paul’s boldness and hope.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Philippians 1:12–20
12Now I desire to have you know, brothers, that the things which happened to me have turned out rather to the progress of the Good News,
13so that it became evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my bonds are in Christ,
14and that most of the brothers in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear.
15Some indeed preach Christ even out of envy and strife, and some also out of good will.
16The former insincerely preach Christ from selfish ambition, thinking that they add affliction to my chains;
17but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the Good News.
18What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed. I rejoice in this, yes, and will rejoice.
19For I know that this will turn out to my salvation through your prayers and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
20according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will in no way be disappointed, but with all boldness, as always, now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.