Philippians 1:12-26

Philippians 1:12-26

[12] But  I would  should understand,  brethren,  that  the things which happened unto  have fallen out  rather  unto  the furtherance  of the gospel;  [13] So that  bonds  in  Christ  are  manifest  in  all  the palace,  and  in all  other  [14] And  many  of the brethren  in  the Lord,  waxing confident  bonds,  bold  to speak  the word  without fear.  [15] Some  indeed  preach  Christ  even  of  envy  and  strife;  and  some  also  of  good will:  [16] The one  of  [17] But  the other of  [18] What  then?  notwithstanding,  every  way,  whether  in pretence,  or  in truth,  Christ  is preached;  and  therein  do rejoice,  yea,  and  will rejoice.  [19] For  I know  that  shall turn  to  salvation  through  prayer,  and  the supply  of the Spirit  of Jesus  Christ,  [20] According  earnest expectation  and  my hope,  that  in  nothing  I shall be ashamed,  but  that with  all  boldness,  as  always,  so now  also  Christ  shall be magnified  in  body,  whether  it be by  life,  or  by  death.  [21] For  to live  is Christ,  and  to die  is gain.  [22] But  if  I live  in  the flesh,  is the fruit  of my labour:  yet  what  I shall choose  I wot  not.  [23] For  I am in a strait  betwixt  two,  having  a desire  to  depart,  and  with  Christ;  which is far  better:  [24] Nevertheless  to abide  in  the flesh  is more needful  for  [25] And  confidence,  I know  that  I shall abide  and  all  for  furtherance  and  joy  of faith;  [26] That  rejoicing  may be more abundant  in  Jesus  Christ  for  by  my  coming  to  again. 

What does Philippians 1:12-26 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Paul proceeded from his introductory comments to explain his personal circumstances because these were of interest to his readers and profitable for them to understand. In relating them the apostle revealed a spiritual viewpoint that is a model for all believers for all time. This "biographical prologue" [1] illustrates how the principles for effective partnership in the gospel that Paul introduced in Philippians 1:3-11 were working out for the furtherance of the gospel in his own circumstances.
He began by relating what had happened because of his imprisonment in the past ( Philippians 1:12-18) and then explained what was happening in the present ( Philippians 1:19-26).
"In spite of the hostility of his enemies outside the church and the evil designs of his detractors within, the apostle is greatly encouraged by one overriding fact: Christ is being proclaimed." [2]