WHAT TRULY MATTERS

Passage: Philippians 1:12-18

Key verse: 1:18a

NIV

Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel

12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,[a] that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard[b] and to everyone else that I am in chains(A) for Christ. 14 And because of my chains,(B) most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.(C)

15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.(D) 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition,(E) not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.(F) 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,

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Footnotes
  1. Philippians 1:12 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in verse 14; and in 3:1, 13, 17; 4:1, 8, 21.
  2. Philippians 1:13 Or whole palace
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

The Advance of the Gospel

12 I want you to know, brothers,[a] that what has happened to me has really (A)served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard[b] and (B)to all the rest that (C)my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold (D)to speak the word[c] without fear.

15 (E)Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, (F)knowing that I am put here for (G)the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ (H)out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.

To Live Is Christ

Yes, and I will rejoice,

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Footnotes
  1. Philippians 1:12 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verse 14
  2. Philippians 1:13 Greek in the whole praetorium
  3. Philippians 1:14 Some manuscripts add of God
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

First, in spite of chains, the gospel advanced (12-14). No doubt, the saints in Philippi anguished over Paul's imprisonment. But Paul assured them that what happened to him actually served to advance the gospel. One at a time, Paul was chained to Roman soldiers from the palace guard. They heard him witness to visitors and they listened as he prayed and sang hymns. They also experienced the love and kindness of Christ as he got to know each one of them personally. In this way, the gospel spread throughout the whole palace guard. In addition, Paul's unwavering faith inspired courage in others as they grew bold in their preaching and spread the gospel even wider than before. Second, in spite of envy and rivalry, Christ was preached (15-18). Some realized that Paul was imprisoned by God's will to defend the gospel and they preached out of goodwill. Others, however, were envious and jealous of Apostle Paul. They took advantage of his imprisonment and preached for selfish reasons. Either, way, Paul rejoiced because what mattered to him was that Christ was preached. We too can rejoice like Paul when Christ alone is our hope and ambition.

Prayer: Father, help us to realize that advancing the gospel is what really matters. Help us to be humble.

One Word: Rejoice that Christ is preached