Philippians 1:12–26 (May 24, 2025)

The Advance of the Gospel

12 I want you to know, brothers,[a] that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard[b] and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word[c] without fear.

15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.

To Live Is Christ

Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

Footnotes

Philippians 1:12 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verse 14

Philippians 1:13 Greek in the whole praetorium

Philippians 1:14 Some manuscripts add of God

Summary

Paul, writing from prison, flips the Philippians' expectations upside down. Instead of seeing his chains as a hindrance, he sees them as a means by which the gospel is advancing. His imprisonment has emboldened other believers to preach Christ more fearlessly, and even those with questionable motives end up serving the greater purpose of gospel proclamation (vv. 12–18).

At the heart of the passage is Paul's radical Christ-centeredness. Life and death are not gains or losses in themselves; their value lies in whether Christ is magnified. Paul longs to depart and be with Christ, which is “far better,” yet he chooses to remain for the sake of the church’s progress and joy in the faith (vv. 23–25). In every line, Paul models a life utterly defined by Christ’s glory, the gospel’s progress, and the good of others.

Who Is God?

God is Sovereign over all circumstances and uses all things for His Glory. Hallelujah!

“I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.” (1:12)

The Greek word for “advance” (prokopēn, προκοπήν) was used to describe soldiers clearing a path for an army—it implies unexpected forward movement through obstacles. Paul teaches us that God's providence is not merely reactive; He actively redeems what seems to be setbacks. The chains on Paul’s wrists are tools in God's hands. The sovereign God orchestrates even persecution to promote proclamation.

What Is Our Guilt?

We often view life through the lens of self, and not Christ.

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (1:21)

This is one of the most iconic verses in Scripture—and one of the most convicting. We tend to reverse Paul’s statement: “To live is gain, and to die is Christ.” In our sin, we cling to this life and fear death because we center everything around ourselves—our goals, comforts, and plans. Paul’s clarity reveals our guilt: we love the gifts more than the Giver and calculate worth by self-fulfillment, not Christ-exaltation.

How Does the Grace Shine?

Christ is glorified in our life and our death.

“It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.” (1:20)

The Greek word translated “honored” is megalynthēsetai (μεγαλυνθήσεται), meaning “magnified” or “made great.” Grace transforms our lives into instruments of Christ’s magnification. Whether Paul lives or dies, he sees only one goal: Christ’s glory. This is grace—not only that we are saved, but that we are given the dignity and joy of making Christ look great. Even death becomes gain when it brings us face-to-face with the One who died for us.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank you that no circumstance is wasted in your kingdom. What others intend for harm, you use for the advance of the gospel.

Forgive us for centering our lives on comfort, success, or self-preservation.

Teach us to say with Paul, “To live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Give us courage to honor you in our bodies, in life, and in death, and let your glory be magnified in all we do.

Grant us the joy of living not for ourselves, but for the progress and joy of others in the faith.

In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.