Philippians 1:12 - 26

Having thanked God for the Philippians’ long term support and participation in the gospel with him (1:3-8)—as well as having prayed for their love and fruitfulness (1:9-11)—the apostle now moves on to relate what the effects of his imprisonment are (1:12-26). Contrary to what the Philippians may have thought, his “chains” have really served to advance the gospel. Should he be released—and this is what he expects to happen—he will continue to work with the Philippians for their progress and joy in the faith (1:25). He can think of no other course of action fitting for his life. Paul’s attitude can be summarized in eight words: “To know Christ (3:10-11) and to make him known (1:22)!

Philippians 1:12-18(NKJV)
12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel,
13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ;
14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from good will:
16 The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains;
17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.
18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.

12 – Paul tells them that his situation is actually furthering the gospel. Do we look at something with out natural eyes, say to ourselves, “God is not in this situation.”, and then, “Surprise!”, God is glorified?

13 – The whole palace guard knew that Paul was in prison because of Jesus. Palace guard probably refers to members of the Imperial guard that guarded him day and night. And all the rest – everyone else who knew of Paul knew the reason he was in chains.(Acts 28:23-24, 30-31)
14 – Most of the brethren with Paul became bolder to speak of Christ. I would think that if we saw our leader in chains, we would shut up. Most of the believers jn Rome became more bold.

15 – Some people preach Jesus with less than pure motives. Some preach him with good motives. John MacArthur says here: “When afforded the opportunity to speak to pastors and church leaders I am often asked, "What has been the most discouraging thing in your ministry?" There are two issues that deeply distress me. One is seeing those who ought to be the most mature in the faith--who know the Word of God well, have experienced the blessings of spiritual growth and fellowship, and have seen God's power demonstrated time and again--turn their backs on the faith and walk into sin. That's much more discouraging than when a new and untrained Christian falls into sin through ignorance. The other thing that most distresses me is being falsely accused by fellow preachers of the gospel. For whatever reason, there are men who seem to desire to discredit the ministry of others. As a result they falsely accuse other ministers, not because those they attack are unbelievers, but simply to discredit them.”

16 – The former group preach out of selfish ambition, wanting to add affliction to Paul. Paul was not alone, but felt alone. "At my first defense [the first trial in Rome] no one supported me, but all deserted me (2 Tim. 4:16). When Paul wrote to the Philippians he was so lonely that he said of Timothy, "I have no one else of kindred spirit" (Phil 2:20). It was not enough for these people to have Paul in prison, they attacked him when he was there.

17 – The latter out of love, knowing that Paul was appointed for his role in the ministry. There are others who preach Christ out of love. The Greek word translated "appointed" (keimai) was used to describe a soldier's being placed on duty. Others saw Paul as appointed by God for His task. Which group are we going to be in, the detractors or the defenders?

18 – Christ is preached and Paul rejoices. No matter what is the motive, if Christ is preached, we should rejoice. At times, we may need to decide to rejoice, even when we do not feel like it.

A.W. Tozer wrote, "In this day of universal apprehension when men's hearts are failing then for fear of those things that are coming upon the earth, we Christians are strategically placed to display a happiness that is not of this world and to exhibit a tranquillity that will be a little bit of heaven here below"

Philippians 1:19-26(NKJV)

19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.
21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell.
23 For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.
24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.
25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith,
26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.

19 – Paul is confident that God was going to work things out for His glory.
MacArthur says of deliverance “The Greek word translated "deliverance" (soteria) is the word for salvation. That's how the King James Version translates it, although soteria can also be translated "well-being" or "escape." … The key thought is that Paul knew his current distress was only temporary and that he would be delivered from it.”
Paul may have identified with Job’s sufferings, and had the same hope as Job "Though ... worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God" (Job 19:26, KJV).
He is confident in the prayers of the Philippians. Somehow God, who is sovereign, acts upon the prayers of the saints.
The Greek word translated "supply" (epichoregia) means "help," "bountiful supply," or "full resources." Paul was speaking of the resources of the Spirit, not of the Spirit Himself(Rom 8:26, Gal 5:22, Eph 3:20). He grants all that is necessary to sustain the righteous.

20 - The extent of Paul's confidence may be seen by his use of the Greek word apokaradokia, translated "earnest expectation." Seen only here and Rom 8:19. Thayer says this word has the meaning “to watch with head erect or outstretched, to wait in suspense.” No matter what happens, Christ will be magnified!

21 – Whether he lives or dies, he belongs to Christ. He wasn't merely saying that Christ was the source of his life, that Christ lived in him, or that Christ wanted Paul to submit to Him. Though all those statements are true in themselves, they are only parts of this great truth: life in its sum is Christ.

22 – If he lives, he will be fruitful, but he cannot tell if this will happen. If Paul lived on in the physical world, he fully expected that would result in "fruitful labor." He considered being alive in our world to be synonymous with fruitful labor for Christ.

23 – He is hard pressed to decide, wanting to be with Christ, which is better. “Hard-pressed" (Gk. sunecho) speaks of being hemmed in on both sides. It pictures a cattle squeeze, that pushing in on each side, forcing the cow into a position where it cannot move so the farmer can administer medication.
According to Paul, being in Christ's presence is "very much better”. More than "better" or "much better," to be with Christ so far surpasses anything in this life that it is "very much better." It's as though Paul could find no adequate words to express the comparison between being on earth and being with Christ in heaven.

24 – To remain alive is better for them. Even though he wishes to be in the presence of Christ, he will stay alive if it’s better for someone else.

25 - The Philippians needed Paul. Philippians 2:1-4 indicates they needed to learn humility. Chapter 3 implies they were imperiled by the Judaizers. In 4:1-3 Paul had to deal with contentious women in the Philippian church. And this was one of the better NT churches!
I know I will remain with you - Paul's personal conviction concerning his future--not a revelation that he was going to remain on earth.

26 - His point was not that the Philippians' confidence would overflow because of him, but because of Christ's working in him.

MacArthur asks “What happened to Paul? Most likely he was released shortly before the burning of Rome in A.D. 64. He was imprisoned again and beheaded sometime between A.D. 65-67. During the time of his freedom before his final imprisonment and execution, he helped many churches. Paul's assurance of release as expressed in Philippians 1:25-26 proved correct.

After his first imprisonment God gave Paul a few more years for fruitful ministry. He fully lived for Christ. That's all that ought to matter to us. It doesn't matter what trouble we're in or what detractors we have--even if we're facing death. What's important is that Christ is glorified and His kingdom advanced. Paul's example is a pattern for us as we grow in Christ and seek to honor Him.”