Philippians 1:12-30

Christian Standard Bible

Advance of the Gospel

¹² Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel,^{(A) 13} so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ. ¹⁴ Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word^[a](B) fearlessly. ¹⁵ To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry,^(C) but others out of good will. ¹⁶ These preach out of love,^(D) knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; ¹⁷ the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition,^(E) not sincerely, thinking that they will cause me trouble in my imprisonment. ¹⁸ What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether from false motives^(F) or true, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice ¹⁹ because I know this will lead to my salvation^[b](G) through your prayers and help from the Spirit^(H) of Jesus Christ.^{(I) 20} My eager expectation and hope^(J) is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all courage, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life^(K) or by death.^(L)

Living Is Christ

²¹ For me, to live is Christ^(M) and to die is gain.^{(N) 22} Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful^(O) work^(P) for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. ²³ I am torn between the two. I long to depart and be with Christ^(Q)—which is far better^(R)— ²⁴ but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. ²⁵ Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,^{(S) 26} so that, because of my coming to you again, your boasting^(T) in Christ Jesus^(U) may abound.

²⁷ Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life^(V) worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm^(W) in one^(X) spirit, in one accord,^[c] contending together for the faith^(Y) of the gospel, ²⁸ not being frightened in any way by your opponents.^(Z) This is a sign of destruction for them,^(AA) but of your salvation^(AB)—and this is from God. ²⁹ For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe^(AC) in him, but also to suffer for him, ³⁰ since you are engaged in the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I have.