Philippians 1:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel,

NIV: Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.

NASB: Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel,

CSB: Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel,

NLT: And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News.

KJV: But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;

NKJV: But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel,

Verse 12 changes Paul's focus. He began by encouraging the Philippians in what they had done, and would continue to do. Here, he begins to encourage them in what he was experiencing. Paul previously mentioned his time in prison (Philippians 1:7). He was often persecuted, sometimes severely (2 Corinthians 11:23–27), and suffered many other forms of hardship for the sake of his message. Paul puts a uniquely Christian spin—a truthful one—on these experiences. These things have all served to advance the spread of the gospel. For this, Paul is actually rejoicing. While the world would have seen Paul's situation only in negative terms, Paul saw it as a positive way to share the gospel with new people.

Further, Paul calls the spread of the gospel the "advance" of the gospel. The gospel did not merely spread like other information; it "advanced." It was a message of power that charged forward into unknown territories to change hearts and lives. The message that changed this man from Saul to Paul was changing people in the capital of the empire. Paul considered his suffering well worth the transformation it provided for those around him in Rome.

Philippians 1:12–18 explains Paul's perspective on his imprisonment. Specifically, Paul sees the many hardships of his life as a good thing, for one reason: they have led to the spread of the gospel. Paul has been held captive; this has allowed him to preach to his jailers. Paul has seen others repeat his own message in an effort to harm him; this has caused even more people to hear the gospel. This passage sets up Paul's upcoming argument that, whether by life or death, he intends to bring glory to God.

In chapter 1, Paul thanks the Philippian believers for supporting his ministry. Even when Paul was jailed, or persecuted, they had been generous and loyal. Paul encourages these Christians by explaining that all of his suffering has been for a good cause. Even better, these attempts to persecute Paul have actually caused the gospel to spread. For this, Paul is grateful. He fully expects to be released, and to see the believers of Philippi again.

Chapter 1 introduces the major themes of Paul's letter. A large proportion of the passage is given to thanking the Philippian church for their loyal support of Paul. Paul also encourages them with a reminder that, good or bad, anything a Christian experiences can be used for the glory of God. This sets the tone for the rest of the letter, where Paul will continue to stress the importance of living out the Christian life. This, he says, starts with having a proper attitude and approach.

Philippians is Paul's discussion of living the Christian life. In this letter to the church of Philippi, Paul highlights themes such as joy and glory. He also puts great emphasis on how a Christian's thinking—their attitude—affects the way they live out their faith. Paul is very thankful for the support of the Philippian church, but is also concerned about the influence of various false teachers. This letter is less theological than most of his other writings, and more practical.