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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Philippians 1:12–20. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We see here the care the apostle takes to prevent their being offended at his sufferings. He was now a prisoner at Rome; this might be a stumbling-block to those who had received the gospel by his ministry. They might be tempted to think, If this doctrine were indeed of God, God would not suffer one who was so active and instrumental in preaching and propagating it to be thrown by as a despised broken vessel. They might be shy of owning this doctrine, lest they should be involved in the same trouble themselves. Now to take off the offence of the cross, he expounds this dark and hard chapter of his sufferings, and makes it very easy and intelligible, and reconcilable to the wisdom and goodness of God who employed him.
I.He suffered by the sworn enemies of the gospel, who laid him in prison, and aimed at taking away his life; but they should not be stumbled at this, for good was brought out of it, and it tended to the furtherance of the gospel (Phi 1:12): The things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel. A strange chemistry of Providence this, to extract so great a good as the enlargement of the gospel out of so great an evil as the confinement of the apostle. "I suffer trouble as an evil-doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound, Ti2 2:9. They cannot imprison the word of God; that has its free course, though I am confined." But how was this?
1.It alarmed those who were without (Phi 1:13): "My bonds in Christ, or for Christ, are manifest in all the palace and in all other places. The emperor, the courtiers, the magistrates, are convinced that I do not suffer as an evil-doer, but as an honest man, with a good conscience. They know that I suffer for Christ, and not for any wickedness." Observe,
(1.)Paul's sufferings made him known at court, where perhaps he would never have otherwise been known; and this might lead some of them to enquire after the gospel for which he suffered, which they might otherwise have never heard of.
(2.)When his bonds were manifest in the palace, they were manifest in all other places. The sentiments of the court have a great influence on the sentiments of all people - Regis ad exemplum totus componitur orbis.
2.It emboldened those who were within. As his enemies were startled at his sufferings, so his friends were encouraged by them. Upright men shall be astonished at this, and the innocent shall stir up himself against the hypocrite. The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he who has clean hands shall be stronger and stronger, Job 17:8, Job 17:9. So it was here: Many of the brethren in the Lord waxing confident by my bonds, Phi 1:14. The expectation of trouble for their religion, in general, perhaps disheartened and discouraged them; but, when they saw Paul imprisoned for Christ, they were so far from being deterred from preaching Christ and praising his name, that it made them the more bold; for they could gladly suffer in Paul's company. If they should be hurried from the pulpit to the prison, they could be reconciled to it, because they would be there in such good company. Besides, the comfort which Paul had in his sufferings, his extraordinary consolations received from Christ in a suffering state, greatly encouraged them. They saw that those who served Christ served a good Master, who could both bear them up and bear them out, in their sufferings for him. Waxing confident by my bonds. Pepoithotas. They were more fully satisfied and persuaded by what they saw. Observe the power of divine grace; that which was intended by the enemy to discourage the preachers of the gospel was overruled for their encouragement. And are much more bold to speak the word without fear; they see the worst of it, and therefore are not afraid to venture. Their confidence gave them courage, and their courage preserved them from the power of fear.
II.He suffered from false friends as well as from enemies (Phi 1:15, Phi 1:16):
Some preach Christ even of envy and strife. The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely. Now this would be a stumbling-block and discouragement to some, that there were those who envied Paul's reputation in the churches, and the interest he had among the Christians, and endeavoured to supplant and undermine him. They were secretly pleased when he was laid up in prison, that they might have the better opportunity to steal away the people's affections; and they laid themselves out the more in preaching, that they might gain to themselves the reputation they envied him: Supposing to add affliction to my bonds. They thought hereby to grieve his spirit, and make him afraid of losing his interest, uneasy under his confinement, and impatient for release. It is sad that there should be men who profess the gospel, especially who preach it, who are governed by such principles as these, who should preach Christ in spite to Paul, and to increase the affliction of his bonds. Let us not think it strange if in these later and more degenerate ages of the church there should be any such. However, there were others who were animated by Paul's sufferings to preach Christ the more vigorously: Some also of good will, and love: from sincere affection to the gospel, that the work might not stand while the workman was laid up. - Knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. They knew that he was appointed to support and propagate the gospel in the world, against all the violence and opposition of its enemies, and were afraid lest the gospel should suffer by his confinement. This made them the more bold to preach the word and supply his lack of service to the church.
III.It is very affecting to see how easy he was in the midst of all:
Notwithstanding every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and I will rejoice, Phi 1:18. Note, The preaching of Christ is the joy of all who wish well to his kingdom among men. Since it may tend to the good of many, we ought to rejoice in it, though it be done in pretence, and not in reality. It is God's prerogative to judge of the principles men act upon; this is out of our line. Paul was so far from envying those who had liberty to preach the gospel while he was under confinement that he rejoiced in the preaching of it even by those who do it in pretence, and not in truth. How much more then should we rejoice in the preaching of the gospel by those who do it in truth, yea, though it should be with much weakness and some mistake! Two things made the apostle rejoice in the preaching of the gospel: -
1.Because it tended to the salvation of the souls of men: I know that this shall turn to my salvation, Phi 1:19. Observe, God can bring good out of evil; and what does not turn to the salvation of the ministers may yet, by the grace of God, be made to turn to the salvation of the people. What reward can those expect who preach Christ out of strife, and envy, and contention, and to add affliction to a faithful minister's bonds? who preach in pretence, and not in truth? And yet even this may turn to the salvation of others; and Paul's rejoicing in it turned to his salvation too. This is one of the things which accompany salvation - to be able to rejoice that Christ is preached, though it be to the diminution of us and our reputation. This noble spirit appeared in John the Baptist, at the first public preaching of Christ: "This my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease, Joh 3:29, Joh 3:30. Let him shine, though I be obscured; and his glory be exalted, though upon my ruins." Others understand this expression of the malice of his enemies being defeated, and contributing towards his deliverance from his confinement. Through your prayers, and the supply of the Spirit of Christ. Note, Whatever turns to our salvation is by the supply or the aids and assistance of the Spirit of Christ; and prayer is the appointed means of fetching in that supply. The prayers of the people may bring a supply of the Spirit to their ministers, to support them in suffering, as well as in preaching the gospel.
2.Because it would turn to the glory of Christ, Phi 1:20, where he takes occasion to mention his own entire devotedness to the service and honour of Christ: According to my earnest expectation and hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, etc. Here observe,
(1.)The great desire of every true Christian is that Christ may be magnified and glorified, that his name may be great, and his kingdom come.
(2.)Those who truly desire that Christ may be magnified desire that he may be magnified in their body. They present their bodies a living sacrifice (Rom 12:1), and yield their members as instruments of righteousness unto God, Rom 6:13. They are willing to serve his designs, and be instrumental to his glory, with every member of their body, as well as faculty of their soul.
(3.)It is much for the glory of Christ that we should serve him boldly and not be ashamed of him, with freedom and liberty of mind, and without discouragement: That in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness Christ may be magnified. The boldness of Christians is the honour of Christ.
(4.)Those who make Christ's glory their desire and design may make it their expectation and hope. If it be truly aimed at, it shall certainly be attained. If in sincerity we pray, Father, glorify thy name, we may be sure of the same answer to that prayer which Christ had: I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again, Joh 12:28.
(5.)Those who desire that Christ may be magnified in their bodies have a holy indifference whether it be by life or by death. They refer it to him which way he will make them serviceable to his glory, whether by their labours or sufferings, by their diligence or patience, by their living to his honour in working for him or dying to his honour in suffering for him.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
3 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
It may seem that he had been rather rash and daring in his willing and joyful acceptance of the fact that Christ was being proclaimed in any fashion, even by the unscrupulous, even through insolence and envy. But in all this he was relying on the assurance and benevolence of God, confident of what will come to be by the grace of Christ through his Spirit.
"Through your supplication," he adds, "and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ according to my earnest expectation and hope." Behold the humble-mindedness of this blessed one; he was striving in the contest, he was now close to his crown, he had done ten thousand exploits, for he was Paul, and what can one add to this? still he writes to the Philippians, I may be saved "through your supplication," I who have gained salvation through countless achievements. "And the supply," saith he, "of the Spirit of Jesus Christ." It is as though he said, if I am thought worthy of your prayers, I shall also be thought worthy of more grace. For the meaning of "supply" is this, if the Spirit be supplied to me, be given to me more abundantly. Or he is speaking of deliverance, "unto salvation"; that is, I shall also escape the present as I did the former danger. Of this same matter he says, "At my first defense no one took my part, but all forsook me; may it not be laid to their account. But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me." (2 Tim. iv 16.) This then he now predicts: "Through your supplication and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope," for thus do I hope. For that he may persuade us not to leave the whole matter to the prayers made for us, and contribute nothing ourselves, behold how he lays down his own part, which is Hope, the source of all good, as the Prophet says. "Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we have hoped in Thee." (Ps. xxxiii. 22) And as it is written in another place, "Look to the generations of old and see, did any one hope in the Lord, and was made ashamed?" (Ecclus. ii. 10.) And again, this same blessed one says, "Hope putteth not to shame." (Rom. v. 5.) This is Paul's hope, the hoping that I shall nowhere be put to shame.
"For I know," says he, "that this shall turn to my salvation through your supplication, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ."
Nothing is more villainous than the Devil. So does he everywhere involve his own in unprofitable toils, and rends them. Not only does he not suffer them to obtain the prizes, but he even subjects them to punishment.
For not only does he command them the preaching of the Gospel, but likewise fasting and virginity, in such sort as will not only deprive them of their reward, but will bring down heavy evil on those who pursue that course. Concerning whom he says elsewhere, also, "Branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron." (1 Tim. iv. 2.)
Wherefore, I beseech you, let us give thanks to God for all things, since he hath both lightened our toil, and increased our reward. For such as among them live in virginity enjoy not the rewards, which they do who among us live chastely in wedlock; but they who live as virgins among the heretics are subject to the condemnation of the fornicators. All this springs from their not acting with a right aim, but as accusing God's creatures, and His unspeakable Wisdom.
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Summary
In Philippians 1:19, the Apostle Paul expresses unwavering confidence in God's sovereign plan amidst his imprisonment, affirming that his current circumstances will ultimately result in his "salvation" or vindication. This profound assurance stems from two powerful sources: the intercessory prayers of the Philippian believers and the abundant, continuous provision of the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ. Paul's declaration serves as a testament to his deep faith, highlighting the divine enablement available to believers even in the face of adversity.
Context
Literary Context
This verse immediately follows Paul's profound declaration in Philippians 1:12-18 that his imprisonment, far from hindering the gospel, has actually served to advance it. He recounts how his chains have become known throughout the praetorian guard and how other believers, emboldened by his example, are preaching Christ with greater courage, even if some do so from less pure motives. The "this" in Philippians 1:19 refers to the entirety of his challenging situation – his imprisonment, the opposition he faces, and the various ways Christ is being proclaimed. Paul's statement in this verse transitions from observing the gospel's advancement through his suffering to expressing his personal conviction about the ultimate outcome of his trials.
Historical & Cultural Context
Paul was likely under house arrest in Rome when he wrote the letter to the Philippians, awaiting trial before Caesar. This context implies significant uncertainty, potential danger, and physical limitations. Roman imprisonment was not always a means of rehabilitation; it was often a holding place before trial or execution. Despite this precarious situation, Paul's focus remains on the advancement of the gospel and his spiritual well-being. The Philippian church, a deeply beloved community to Paul, had sent Epaphroditus to bring him aid and financial support, demonstrating their deep concern and active participation in his ministry. Their prayers, mentioned explicitly, were a vital lifeline and a common practice in early Christian communities, underscoring the communal support system that sustained apostles and believers alike.
Key Themes
Philippians 1:19 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the letter. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Providence Amidst Adversity. Paul's unwavering confidence that his suffering will "turn to my salvation" reflects a deep theological conviction that God is actively at work in all circumstances, even the most challenging, to bring about His ultimate purposes. This resonates with the broader biblical truth that God works all things for the good of those who love Him, as articulated in Romans 8:28. Secondly, the verse highlights the Efficacy of Intercessory Prayer. Paul explicitly credits the "prayer" of the Philippian believers as a crucial element in his expected deliverance or vindication, emphasizing the powerful and tangible impact of communal prayer within the body of Christ, a theme echoed in passages like James 5:16. Thirdly, it emphasizes the Sustaining Power of the Holy Spirit. The "supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ" points to the Holy Spirit as the continuous and abundant source of divine strength, comfort, and wisdom, enabling Paul to endure and even rejoice in his trials, thereby fulfilling the Spirit's role as Helper and Comforter as promised in John 14:26.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the perfect tense only) to know. Paul's "knowledge" here is not mere intellectual assent or hopeful speculation, but a profound, settled conviction based on spiritual insight and experience. It implies a deep certainty that transcends his immediate physical circumstances, rooted in his understanding of God's character and purposes.
Rescue or safety (physically or morally). While encompassing eternal salvation from sin, in this context, "salvation" carries a broader meaning. It refers to Paul's ultimate deliverance, vindication, preservation, or ultimate well-being and glorification. This could mean release from prison, a triumphant death for Christ's sake, or his ultimate spiritual and physical glorification in Christ. It signifies the fulfillment of God's purpose for him, whatever the earthly outcome.
Contribution. This term originally referred to the generous provision by a wealthy citizen (a choregos) for the expenses of a dramatic chorus or public festival. It denotes a lavish, abundant, and continuous provision. The use of this word emphasizes that the Holy Spirit's help is not minimal or intermittent but overflowing, completely sufficient, and continuously available, equipping Paul for every challenge and enabling him to fulfill his ministry.
Verse Breakdown
"For I know that this shall turn to my salvation"
Paul begins with a strong affirmation of personal certainty ("I know"). The conjunction "For" (G1063, gár) indicates that this statement provides the reason or explanation for his previous confidence (e.g., in Philippians 1:18). "This" (G5124, toûto) refers to his entire challenging situation, including his imprisonment and the various motivations behind the preaching of Christ. He is convinced that these circumstances, despite their difficulty, will "turn" (G576, apobaínō, meaning to eventuate or result) in his "salvation" (G4991, sōtēría), which encompasses his ultimate deliverance, vindication, and glorification in Christ, whether through release or martyrdom.
"through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ"
Paul identifies the two crucial means by which his "salvation" will be realized. First, "through" (G1223, diá) the "prayer" (G1162, déēsis, meaning petition or supplication) of the Philippian believers. This highlights the vital role of intercessory prayer in God's work. Second, "and" (G2532, kaí) through the "supply" (G2024, epichorēgía, meaning abundant provision) of the "Spirit" (G4151, pneûma) of "Jesus Christ" (G2424, Iēsoûs G5547, Christós). This emphasizes the continuous, lavish, and empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of Jesus Christ, as the divine source of strength, wisdom, and endurance for Paul in his trials.
Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in Philippians 1:19. The verse opens with a strong declaration of Assurance ("For I know"), conveying Paul's unshakeable confidence in God's ultimate purpose despite his dire circumstances. This contrasts sharply with the uncertainty of his physical situation, creating an implicit Antithesis between earthly tribulation and divine outcome. The inclusion of "your prayer" highlights Intercession, underscoring the communal aspect of faith and the tangible impact of the Philippians' petitions on Paul's situation. Furthermore, the phrase "the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ" utilizes Figurative Language (specifically, a metaphor of "supply" as a continuous, abundant provision) to describe the lavish and unfailing enablement provided by the Holy Spirit. This emphasizes Divine Provision, portraying the Spirit not as a scarce resource but as an overflowing wellspring of grace and power, ensuring Paul's spiritual fortitude and ultimate vindication.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Philippians 1:19 stands as a powerful theological statement on the interplay of divine sovereignty, human cooperation, and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. Paul's confidence in his ultimate "salvation" is not passive resignation but an active trust in God's providential hand, working through both the prayers of the saints and the continuous enablement of the Spirit. This verse beautifully illustrates how God uses the community of believers and His own divine presence to sustain and advance His purposes, even through suffering. It reinforces the biblical truth that God's power is made perfect in weakness, and that believers are never left to face trials in their own strength. The "salvation" Paul anticipates is multifaceted, encompassing not only spiritual deliverance but also vindication and glorification, aligning with the broader eschatological hope of believers.
Reflection and Application
Philippians 1:19 offers immense encouragement and a profound model for believers navigating their own trials and uncertainties. Paul's unwavering confidence, even while imprisoned and facing potential execution, challenges us to cultivate a similar trust in God's ultimate purpose for our lives. This verse reminds us that our circumstances, no matter how difficult, are not outside of God's sovereign control and can be used by Him for our ultimate good and His glory. It also powerfully underscores the irreplaceable value of communal prayer; our intercession for one another is not merely a formality but a potent spiritual force that contributes to God's work in and through His people. Furthermore, the "supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ" assures us that we are not left to our own devices but have continuous, abundant access to divine strength, wisdom, and comfort for every challenge. We can face adversity with courage, knowing that the Holy Spirit empowers us to endure, to thrive, and to see God's "salvation" unfold in our lives, whether through deliverance from a situation or the grace to faithfully persevere within it.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does Paul mean by "this shall turn to my salvation"?
Paul's use of "salvation" (Greek: sōtēría) in Philippians 1:19 is multi-faceted. While it certainly encompasses his ultimate eternal salvation, in this immediate context, it also refers to his deliverance, vindication, preservation, or ultimate well-being and glorification. This could mean his acquittal and release from prison, or it could refer to his triumphant death for Christ's sake, which would be his ultimate "salvation" into glory. Regardless of the immediate outcome, Paul is confident that his present suffering will ultimately serve God's purpose for him, leading to a glorious and purposeful end, whether in life or in death, as he elaborates in Philippians 1:20-21.
How do the prayers of others contribute to a believer's experience of God's work?
Paul explicitly states that his "salvation" will come "through your prayer," highlighting the profound efficacy of intercessory prayer. This demonstrates that God often chooses to work through the prayers of His people. The prayers of the Philippians were not merely well-wishes but active participation in Paul's spiritual and physical well-being. This aligns with biblical teaching on the power of communal prayer, where believers bear one another's burdens and appeal to God on behalf of others, as seen in passages like James 5:16 and Ephesians 6:18. Such prayers can bring about divine intervention, provide spiritual strength, and align the individual with God's will.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Philippians 1:19, while speaking of Paul's personal experience, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Christ Jesus. The "salvation" Paul anticipates, whether deliverance from prison or glorious martyrdom, is entirely predicated on the saving work of Christ. It is through Christ's perfect life, atoning death, and victorious resurrection that any form of "salvation" – spiritual, physical, or eschatological – becomes possible for humanity. Furthermore, the "supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ" points directly to the post-resurrection reality where Christ, having ascended to the Father, poured out His Spirit on believers, as promised in Acts 2:33. The Holy Spirit is consistently referred to as the "Spirit of Christ" (Romans 8:9) or "Spirit of Jesus" (Acts 16:7) in the New Testament, signifying His intimate connection to and continuous work on behalf of the glorified Lord. Thus, Paul's endurance and hope are not self-generated but are a direct outflow of the indwelling presence and empowering provision of the Spirit, who makes Christ's life and power accessible to believers, enabling them to live out their faith even in suffering, just as Christ Himself endured the cross for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2).