Paul’s Praise and Prayerful Concern for the Philippian Believers and His Perspective in View of His Hardship Philippians 1:1-30 Part II

The church of Philippi was the first church founded by Paul during his second missionary journey (Acts Chapter 16).  When Paul wrote to the believers in Philippi, he was nearing the end of his Roman imprisonment.  In spite of his hardship, Paul was concerned more about the welfare of his friends in Philippi than about his situation. As the one who had first brought the gospel to them, Paul genuinely regarded the Philippians as his spiritual children.  He also regarded them as partners and fellow laborers in Christ.  This very affectionate letter of Philippians was written about A.D. 60-61 from Rome.  Philippians 1:1-30 may be outlined as follows:  I. Paul’s Affirmation of Praise for the Philippian Believers – Philippians 1:1-8; II. Paul’s Attitude of Prayer for the Philippian Believers – Philippians 1:9-11; III. The Perspective of Paul in view of His Hardship- Philippians 1:12-30.

III. The Perspective of Paul in view of His Hardship

Philippians 1:12-30

In verses 12-14, Paul wanted the Philippian believers to know that his ministry had not been threatened because of his bondage; however, really it was being advanced.  His ministry was being advanced because the whole palace guard, as well as others, were hearing about Christ (vv. 12-13).  The Roman soldiers composed of the praetorian guard, were hearing about Christ.  Paul, according to custom, was chained to a soldier who heard the word!  Paul was not in chains because he was a lawbreaker, but was in chains for Christ (v. 13).

In verse 14, instead of Paul’s incarceration hindering the truth, other believers became bold and began speaking for Christ!  These believers became more determined and fearless in view of mounting opposition.  Paul received solid response from others as they began to speak courageously and fearlessly for Christ.

In verses 15-18, those who spoke boldly consisted of two types.  Some preached Christ out of envy and rivalry; whereas, others preached Him out of good will (v. 15).  Those who preached out of goodwill and love understood that Paul was in chains because of his defense of the gospel (v. 16).  In verse 17, those who preached Christ out of envy and rivalry did so out of selfishness.  Their motive was only to stimulate trouble for Paul while he was in prison.  Paul was under house arrest according to Acts 28:30.   In verse 18, Paul’s heart exuded with joy because Christ was being preached, although some preached from impure motives.

Paul greatly rejoiced that Christ was being preached, and not because a faction existed between the groups!  As a man of resolute belief, Paul was convinced that his incarceration would eventually result in his deliverance (v. 19).  The deliverance referred to in verse 19 was a reference to the final stage of his salvation.

Paul was not afraid of death because of his powerful statement in verse 21.  The grand Apostle Paul was grateful for the prayers of the saints and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ.  Paul was assured that he could rely upon the help (support) of the prayers of the saints and also on the ministry of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26-27).

Paul was not assured of his release from being incarcerated; however, whether being released or experiencing martyrdom, he wanted Christ to be magnified (exalted) in his body (v. 20).  Paul faced the future with a valiant hope.  Being released from being incarcerated would grant him the opportunity to preach Christ.  However, his martyrdom would not hinder the preaching of Christ.  Paul’s central purpose in living was to glorify Christ (v. 21).

Christ was the very essence of Paul’s life.  However, in Paul’s martyrdom, he knew that Christ would be glorified through the propagation of the gospel which would result from Paul’s testimony in death.  Paul also was assured that we would benefit from death because he would be with Christ.

In verses 22-24, the Apostle Paul reveals the frustration of his mind.  He revealed that if he continued to live, then there would be fruit from his labor (v. 22).  Paul revealed his choice between continuing to live or to die for Christ.  The choice he had to make was baffling.  Although the choice was indeed baffling, Paul wanted to know which choice would bring glory to God and serve as an advantage to others.  He had a personal desire to depart and be with Christ (v. 23).  However, he knew that the Philippian believers needed him (v. 24).  Paul reveals a selfless spirit in verse 24, for he places the needs of others before his desire to live.

Paul was convinced in verse 25 that his release unto them would result in the progression of their faith and great joy would be experienced.  The Philippians would experience joy because Paul who had taught them about Christ, would be with them (v. 26).  Regardless of Paul’s releasement from bonds or martyrdom, Paul was concerned that the Philippian believers would honor and glorify Christ in their conduct (v. 27).  As believers, we should behave in a manner that is worthy of the gospel of Christ.  As believers, we need to remain “steadfast in one spirit, and strive for the faith of the gospel” (v. 27).

Paul urged the believers to live valiantly or fearlessly for Christ in the face of opposition and persecution (v. 28).  Saints of God should never live in fear, knowing that we are always victorious in Jesus Christ.  We need to go on in Christ, knowing that God will eventually defeat all adversaries.  In verses 29-30, Paul reminded the believers that believing on Christ and suffering for Him had been granted to them (v. 29).  Again, in verse 30, Paul reminded the Philippian believers that they are in the same conflict as himself.  They are to remain encouraged as they face various hardships.

May God Bless!