Free Bible Commentary
“Philippians 1:19-21”
Categories: Philippians“for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
--- End of Scripture verses---
Paul was convinced that he would be “delivered” from his current circumstances (verse 19). He expressed confidence in the effectiveness of human intervention through the potent power of the prayers of righteous people (James 5:16). He knew that he had a chorus of human hearts and voices lifting petitions and supplications to heaven on his behalf, and that God hears and heeds the prayers of his holy ones.
Paul was also confident of the “provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.” He had taken to heart the encouraging words that Jesus had spoken to the Apostles, even though Paul was not among those original Twelve: “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves. But beware of men, for they will hand you over to the courts and scourge you in their synagogues; and you will even be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say. For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.” (Matthew 10:16-20)
Paul’s “hope” was not flimsy wishful thinking but an “earnest expectation” (verse 20). He was completely confident that God would make this and every circumstance work out for his own good and God’s own glory. Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel (Romans 1:16), and he knew he had no reason to be ashamed about being imprisoned for preaching it. And he knew that, one way or another, God would deliver him. And even if that deliverance was brought about through his death, to Paul, “to live is Christ and do die is gain” (verse 21).
Paul “exalted” Christ by the way that he lived. Therefore he had no reason whatsoever to be afraid even if he died. As a matter of fact, he knew that things would only get better for him on the other side of eternity, as long as he lived faithfully until death. If he went on living, it would be to serve Christ. If he passed from this realm of existence, it would be to live eternally with Christ. Which is “very much better” (verse 23)! Another win-win situation!
Live for the Lord. Die for the Lord. Reign with the Lord!
Please read Philippians 1:22-26 for tomorrow.
If you have no plans to worship God today, please come visit us at the Taylorsville Road church of Christ.
3741 Taylorsville Road. 9:30 AM Bible class. 10:30 AM worship service. 5:00 PM worship service.
Have a safe and blessed Lord’s Day!
- Louie Taylor
