Philippians 1:12–30

Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel

¹²Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,^b that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. ¹³As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard^c and to everyone else that I am in chains^v for Christ. ¹⁴And because of my chains,^w most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.^x

¹⁵It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. ¹⁶The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.^{y 17}The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition,^z not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.^{a 18}But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, ¹⁹for I know that through your prayers^b and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ^c what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.^{dd 20}I eagerly expect^e and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage^f so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,^g whether by life or by death.^{h 21}For to me, to live is Christⁱ and to die is gain. ²²If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! ²³I am torn between the two: I desire to depart^j and be with Christ,^k which is better by far; ²⁴but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. ²⁵Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, ²⁶so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

Life Worthy of the Gospel

²⁷Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy^l of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm^m in the one Spirit,^e striving togetherⁿ as one for the faith of the gospel ²⁸without 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. ²⁹For it has been granted to you^o on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer^p for him, ³⁰since you are going through the same struggle^q you saw^r I had, and now hear^s that I still have.