Philippians 1:12–30

Nothing Matters Except That People Are Told about Christ

¹²I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what happened to me has helped to spread the Good News. ¹³As a result, it has become clear to all the soldiers who guard the emperor and to everyone else that I am in prison because of Christ. ¹⁴So through my being in prison, the Lord has given most of our brothers and sisters confidence to speak God’s word more boldly and fearlessly than ever. 

¹⁵Some people tell the message about Christ because of their jealousy and envy. Others tell the message about him because of their good will. ¹⁶Those who tell the message about Christ out of love know that God has put me here to defend the Good News. ¹⁷But the others are insincere. They tell the message about Christ out of selfish ambition in order to stir up trouble for me while I’m in prison. ¹⁸But what does it matter? Nothing matters except that, in one way or another, people are told the message about Christ, whether with honest or dishonest motives, and I’m happy about that. 

Paul Honors Christ Whether He Lives or Dies

Yes, I will continue to be happy ¹⁹for another reason. I know that I will be set free through your prayers and through the help that comes from the Spirit of Jesus Christ. ²⁰I eagerly expect and hope that I will have nothing to be ashamed of. I will speak very boldly and honor Christ in my body, now as always, whether I live or die. ²¹Christ means everything to me in this life, and when I die I’ll have even more. ²²If I continue to live in this life, my work will produce more results. I don’t know which I would prefer. ²³I find it hard to choose between the two. I would like to leave this life and be with Christ. That’s by far the better choice. ²⁴But for your sake it’s better that I remain in this life. ²⁵Since I’m convinced of this, I know that I will continue to live and be with all of you. This will help you to grow and be joyful in your faith. ²⁶So by coming to you again, I want to give you even more reason to have pride in Christ Jesus with me. 

Fighting for the Faith

²⁷Live as citizens who reflect the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come to see you or whether I stay away, I’ll hear all about you. I’ll hear that you are firmly united in spirit, united in fighting for the faith that the Good News brings. ²⁸So don’t let your opponents intimidate you in any way. This is God’s way of showing them that they will be destroyed and that you will be saved. ²⁹God has given you the privilege not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for him. ³⁰You are involved in the same struggle that you saw me having. Now you hear that I’m still involved in it.