Philippians 1:12-26

Philippians 1

Christ Is Proclaimed

¹² I want you to know, brothers, ^[1] that the things which happened to me actually took place to advance the gospel. ¹³ And so it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to all the rest, that I am in chains because of Christ. ^{[2] 14} And, through my chains, the majority of the brothers in the Lord have become much more confident about daring to speak the word of God ^[3] fearlessly. ¹⁵ Some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, and others out of good will. ¹⁶ The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am placed here for the defense of the gospel. ¹⁷ The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, but thinking they can cause trouble for me while I am in chains. ¹⁸ What does it matter? Only this, that in every way, whether for outward appearance or for the truth, Christ is being proclaimed, and in this I rejoice.

To Live Is Christ, to Die Is Gain

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, ¹⁹ because I know that this will turn out for my deliverance, through your prayer and the support of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. ²⁰ This matches my earnest expectation and hope that I will in no way be put to shame, but with all boldness, as always, so even now, Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. ²¹ Yes, for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. ²² But if I am to go on living in the flesh, that will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet which should I prefer? I do not know. ²³ I am pulled in two directions, because I have the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far. ²⁴ But, it is more necessary for your sake that I remain in the flesh. ²⁵ And since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and will continue with all of you, for your progress and joy in the faith. ²⁶ And so by my coming to you again, my goal is to give you even more reason to boast in Christ Jesus.