[Note: This is Part 3 of a 6-part series looking at Paul’s letter to the Philippians.]

In the previous post, we saw that gospel living begins with a shared mission, deep prayer, and love that overflows. Paul’s opening words revealed his deep partnership with the Philippians and his prayer that their love would abound with knowledge and discernment. Now, in Phil. 1:12-30, Paul turns to his own circumstances—and they are not good. He is in prison, facing an uncertain future, with some people actively working against him. Yet his perspective is remarkable:

Suffering is not a setback—it can be a platform for the gospel.

Paul’s Chains as Opportunity (1:12-18a)

Paul begins this section with a statement that must have surprised the Philippians: “I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel” (1:12). The phrase “what has happened to me” is a polite way of referring to his imprisonment. But notice Paul’s interpretation: his chains have not hindered the gospel; they have advanced it.

How can imprisonment advance the gospel? Paul explains: “so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ” (1:13). The “imperial guard” (praitōrion) could refer to either the elite soldiers guarding the emperor or the praetorian headquarters itself. Either way, Paul’s witness has reached the highest levels of Roman authority. What Satan meant for evil—silencing Paul through imprisonment—God has used for good. The gospel has penetrated places it might never have reached if Paul had remained free.

But there’s more. Paul’s imprisonment has also emboldened other believers: “and most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear” (1:14). Paul’s courage in chains has inspired courage in others. His example has shown that the gospel is worth suffering for, worth risking everything for. Fear often paralyzes believers from sharing the gospel, but Paul’s faithfulness in hardship has shattered that fear.

Paul then addresses a more complicated situation. Some people are preaching Christ out of good motives, but others are doing so out of envy and rivalry: “Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will” (1:15). These rival preachers apparently see Paul’s imprisonment as an opportunity to advance their own ministries. They preach “out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment” (1:17).

How does Paul respond to this? With remarkable grace: “What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice” (1:18a). Paul’s focus is not on his own reputation or ministry success. His focus is on the gospel. As long as Christ is being proclaimed—even by people with bad motives—Paul rejoices. This does not mean Paul approves of their motives or methods, but he recognizes that God can use even imperfect messengers to spread His message.

Paul’s Perspective on Life and Death (1:18b-26)

Paul’s joy continues: “Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance” (1:18b-19). The word “deliverance” (sōtēria) can mean either physical rescue or spiritual salvation. Paul likely has both in mind. He expects that the Philippians’ prayers and the Spirit’s help will lead to his vindication, but his ultimate hope is not in being released from prison—it is in honoring Christ.

This becomes clear in one of the most famous statements in all of Paul’s letters: “as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death” (1:20). Paul’s goal is singular: that Christ would be honored in his body. Whether that happens through his continued ministry (life) or through his martyrdom (death) is secondary. What matters is that Christ receives glory.

Then comes the statement that has challenged and comforted believers for two millennia: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (1:21). This is not a throw-away line or a piece of religious jargon. Paul means it literally. His entire life is wrapped up in Christ. Living means continuing to serve Christ, preach Christ, and make Christ known. But dying is “gain” because it means being with Christ, which is far better than anything this world offers.

Paul elaborates on this tension: “If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better” (1:22-23). Paul is not suicidal or depressed. He simply has a clear-eyed view of eternity. Being with Christ is “far better” than even the most fruitful ministry on earth. The Greek phrase translated “far better” is emphatic—it could be rendered “much more better” or “far, far better.”

Yet Paul recognizes that his continued life has value for the Philippians: “But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith” (1:24-25). Paul is willing to forgo his own desire to be with Christ because the Philippians still need him. This is the heart of a true shepherd—one who puts the needs of others above his own desires.

Paul’s goal is clear: “so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again” (1:26). Even if Paul is released and returns to Philippi, the glory belongs to Christ, not to Paul. Everything—his suffering, his potential release, his ministry—is for the sake of making much of Jesus.

Living Worthy of the Gospel (1:27-30)

Paul now shifts from his own circumstances to the Philippians’ responsibilities. His instruction is straightforward: “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ” (1:27a). The phrase “manner of life” translates the Greek word politeuomai, which means “to live as a citizen.” Paul is using political language here, which would resonate with the Philippians, who were proud of their Roman citizenship. But Paul is saying that their true citizenship is in heaven (3:20), and they must live accordingly.

What does it mean to live worthy of the gospel? Paul gives two specific instructions:

First, stand firm together: “so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel” (1:27b). The gospel produces unity. Believers are not isolated individuals; they are part of a community that stands together, strives together, and fights together for the faith. The imagery here is military—standing in formation, fighting side by side. The gospel creates a spiritual army united in purpose.

Second, do not be intimidated by opponents: “and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God” (1:28). The Philippians faced opposition, likely from both Jews and Gentiles who rejected the gospel. But Paul urges them not to be “frightened” (ptyromai, a word used of startled horses). Their courage in the face of opposition is itself a testimony—it demonstrates that they have something worth suffering for, and it serves as a warning to their opponents.

Paul then makes a remarkable statement: “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake” (1:29). Suffering for Christ is not a sign of God’s displeasure or a lack of faith. It is a gift—something “granted” to believers. The word “granted” (echaristhē) comes from the same root as “grace” (charis). Just as salvation is a gift of grace, so is the privilege of suffering for Christ.

Paul concludes by reminding the Philippians that they share in his struggle: “engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have” (1:30). They are not alone in their suffering. They are partners with Paul, and more importantly, they are partners with Christ, who suffered for them.

Application: Embracing Hardship as a Platform for the Gospel

What does this passage teach us about gospel living in the midst of hardship? Three key lessons stand out:

1. Our Suffering Can Advance the Gospel

Paul’s imprisonment did not stop the gospel—it advanced it. His chains gave him access to people he never would have reached otherwise. His courage inspired others to boldness. Even the rival preachers who opposed him ended up spreading the message of Christ.

The same can be true for us. When we suffer for Christ with joy and courage, people notice. Our non-Christian friends and coworkers see something different in us. Our fellow believers are encouraged to greater faithfulness. Even our enemies may be forced to reckon with the power of the gospel.

This does not mean we seek out suffering or view it lightly. Suffering is real, and it hurts. But it does mean we can have confidence that God will use our hardships for His purposes. The question is not whether we will face opposition or difficulty—Paul tells the Philippians that suffering is granted to them (1:29). The question is how we will respond.

2. Christ Must Be Our Life, Not Just Part of Our Life

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (1:21). This statement exposes where our true treasure lies. If Paul had said, “For me to live is my family, and to die is loss,” we would understand—but that would not be the gospel. If he had said, “For me to live is my ministry, and to die is tragedy,” we would sympathize—but that would not reflect eternal perspective.

Paul’s entire identity, purpose, and joy were found in Christ. This is what enabled him to face death without fear. He knew that whether he lived or died, he would be with Christ. Can we say the same?

Consider how you would complete this sentence: “For me to live is __________, and to die is __________.” Whatever fills those blanks reveals what you treasure most. If Christ is truly our life, then death is not loss—it is gain. This is the kind of perspective that enables us to live courageously in the face of hardship.

3. We Must Live as Citizens of Heaven

Paul calls the Philippians to “let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ” (1:27). The gospel is not just something we believe; it is something we live. And living worthy of the gospel means living as citizens of heaven, even while we reside on earth.

This means standing firm together with other believers. It means not being frightened by opposition. It means viewing suffering as a gift rather than a curse. It means recognizing that the gospel creates a community united in purpose and willing to sacrifice for the sake of Christ.

How are you living as a citizen of heaven? Are you standing firm with other believers, or are you isolated and disconnected? Are you intimidated by opposition, or are you courageously proclaiming Christ? Are you willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel, or do you avoid anything that might cost you comfort or reputation?

Paul’s chains became a platform for the gospel. His suffering inspired courage in others. His perspective on life and death revealed a heart wholly captivated by Christ. And his call to the Philippians—and to us—is to live worthy of the gospel, standing firm together and embracing suffering as a gift from God. In the next post, we’ll explore Philippians 2, where Paul presents the ultimate example of gospel living: Jesus Christ Himself, who humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross for our sake—then highlights two men who live out this humility.