Philippians 1:20

According to my 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 my body, whether [it be] by life, or by death.

According {G2596} to my {G3450} earnest expectation {G603} and {G2532} my hope {G1680}, that {G3754} in {G1722} nothing {G3762} I shall be ashamed {G153}, but {G235} that with {G1722} all {G3956} boldness {G3954}, as {G5613} always {G3842}, so now {G3568} also {G2532} Christ {G5547} shall be magnified {G3170} in {G1722} my {G3450} body {G4983}, whether {G1535} it be by {G1223} life {G2222}, or {G1535} by {G1223} death {G2288}.

It all accords with my earnest expectation and hope that I will have nothing to be ashamed of; but rather, now, as always, the Messiah will be honored by my body, whether it is alive or dead.

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have complete boldness so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

according to my earnest expectation and hope, that in nothing shall I be put to shame, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death.

In Philippians 1:20, the Apostle Paul articulates his deepest desire and unwavering commitment while imprisoned for the Gospel. This verse encapsulates his life's purpose: that Christ would be glorified through him, no matter the cost.

Context

Paul writes this letter from a Roman prison, yet his tone is one of joy and confidence, not despair. Immediately preceding this verse, Paul expresses his conviction that his imprisonment has actually served to advance the Gospel (Philippians 1:12-18). He knows his situation, whether leading to release or execution, will ultimately fulfill God's purpose. This verse reveals the personal core of his faith and ministry, demonstrating his profound dedication to Christ above all else, even his own life.

Key Themes

  • Unwavering Purpose: Paul's primary aspiration is that he would never be put to shame concerning his faith or ministry. His life is singularly devoted to Christ's glory, regardless of his circumstances or the outcome of his imprisonment.
  • Boldness in Adversity: Despite facing potential execution, Paul desires to act with "all boldness." This courage is not reckless abandon but a Spirit-empowered confidence in proclaiming and living out the truth of Christ, even when it means facing opposition or suffering.
  • Christ's Supremacy: The ultimate goal is for Christ to be "magnified" (made great, glorified) through Paul's physical existence and actions. His body becomes a vessel through which the greatness of Jesus is displayed to the world. This profound surrender underscores Christ's absolute preeminence in Paul's life.
  • Life and Death as Glorification: Paul views both his continued life and potential martyrdom as opportunities to exalt Jesus. His willingness to serve Christ "whether by life, or by death" demonstrates a complete devotion, echoing the sentiment he expresses in Philippians 1:21, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

Linguistic Insights

  • "Earnest expectation" (Greek: apokaradokia - ἀποκαραδοκία): This powerful word conveys an intense, eager anticipation, literally describing a "straining of the head forward" as one waits intently for something. It highlights Paul's profound and focused desire.
  • "Boldness" (Greek: parrhesia - παρρησία): This term signifies freedom of speech, confidence, and courage, especially in challenging or public situations. It's the opposite of being ashamed and reflects Paul's unwavering stance for the Gospel, much like the apostles in Acts 4:31, who spoke the word with boldness.
  • "Magnified" (Greek: megaluno - μεγαλύνω): This word means to make great, to extol, or to glorify. It implies making Christ appear greater in the eyes of others, not just through words, but through one's very being, actions, and even suffering.

Practical Application

Philippians 1:20 challenges believers today to live with a singular purpose: that Christ would be magnified in their lives. It encourages us to:

  • Live Boldly: To stand firm in our faith and speak the truth of the Gospel with courage, even when it is unpopular or challenging, remembering Paul's declaration in Romans 1:16 that he is not ashamed of the Gospel.
  • Glorify Christ in All Circumstances: To see every situation—whether in health or sickness, success or failure, life or death—as an opportunity for Christ to be made great through us.
  • Find Purpose in Suffering: To recognize that even personal struggles or suffering can be used by God to display His power and glory, aligning our desires with His ultimate plan.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
  • 1 Peter 4:16

    Yet if [any man suffer] as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
  • 1 Corinthians 6:20

    For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
  • Isaiah 54:4

    Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:23

    ¶ And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and [I pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
  • 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,
  • Ephesians 6:20

    For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
  • 1 John 2:28

    ¶ And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

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