Philippians 1:19

KJV

For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} I know {G1492} that {G3754} this {G5124} shall turn {G576} to {G1519} my {G3427} salvation {G4991} through {G1223} your {G5216} prayer {G1162}, and {G2532} the supply {G2024} of the Spirit {G4151} of Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547},

Complete Jewish Bible

for I know that this will work out for my deliverance, because of your prayers and the support I get from the Spirit of Yeshua the Messiah.

Berean Standard Bible

because I know that through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, my distress will turn out for my deliverance.

American Standard Version

For I know that this shall turn out to my salvation, through your supplication and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

Commentary

### 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](/philippians/1-12-18 "Philippians 1:12-18 - Paul's Imprisonment Advances the Gospel") 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](/philippians/1-19 "Philippians 1:19 - Paul's Confidence in Salvation") 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](/philippians/1-19 "Philippians 1:19 - Paul's Confidence") 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](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good"). 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](/james/5-16 "James 5:16 - The Power of Prayer"). 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](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit as Teacher and Helper").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Greek, _eídō'_):** From G1492. 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.
* **salvation (Greek, _sōtēría'_):** From G4991. 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.
* **supply (Greek, _epichorēgía'_):** From G2024. 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](/philippians/1-18 "Philippians 1:18 - Rejoicing in the Preaching of Christ")). "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](/philippians/1-19 "Philippians 1:19 - Paul's Confidence"). 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.

* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")
* [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace is Sufficient")
* [Ephesians 3:16](/ephesians/3-16 "Ephesians 3:16 - Strengthened by the Spirit")

### 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
* **How does Paul's confidence in [Philippians 1:19](/philippians/1-19 "Philippians 1:19 - Paul's Confidence") challenge your own perspective on personal trials and adversity?**
* **In what ways have you experienced the "supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ" enabling you to endure or overcome difficulties?**
* **How might a deeper commitment to intercessory prayer for other believers strengthen your faith community and impact individual circumstances?**
* **What does "salvation" mean to you in the context of your daily life, beyond its eternal implications?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "this shall turn to my salvation"?**

Answer: Paul's use of "salvation" (Greek: _sōtēría_) in [Philippians 1:19](/philippians/1-19 "Philippians 1:19 - Paul's Confidence") 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](/philippians/1-20-21 "Philippians 1:20-21 - To Live is Christ, to Die is Gain").

**How do the prayers of others contribute to a believer's experience of God's work?**

Answer: 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](/james/5-16 "The Effective Prayer of a Righteous Man") and [Ephesians 6:18](/ephesians/6-18 "Ephesians 6:18 - Praying in the Spirit"). 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](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit"). The Holy Spirit is consistently referred to as the "Spirit of Christ" ([Romans 8:9](/romans/8-9 "The Spirit of Christ")) or "Spirit of Jesus" ([Acts 16:7](/acts/16-7 "The Spirit of Jesus")) 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](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of Faith")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.

Acts 16:7

After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.

2 Corinthians 1:11

Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift [bestowed] upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.

Galatians 4:6

And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

Romans 8:9

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

Ephesians 6:18

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Ephesians 6:19

¶ And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,