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Philippians 1:12-18
For years, the assembly in Philippi had been faithfully supporting Pauls ministry, as he spread the gospel
throughout the Roman Empire. That ministry was interrupted by the arrest of Paul in Jerusalem, and his
subsequent incarceration in Caesarea, and after that, in Rome.
During this last phase of his imprisonment, Paul was visited by Epaphroditus, who brought a financial gift
from the church in Philippi. The news of what was going on back in Philippi prompted Paul to write this
letter that we are studying.
This was a church that as a whole, was growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus
Christ (2 Pet 3:18). Paul addresses all the believers there as his close friends - who share his mind on
things - the mind of Christ - and share his heart as well - for the furtherance of the gospel of Christ.
The gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation, for everyone who believes (Rm 1:16). But in
order for anyone to believe it, they have to hear it - the gospel must be preached to them. And they are
more inclined to listen when they also see it - when they observe the gospel lived out - which is a display of
its power.
Otherwise, the gospel can just be a string of words - in one ear, and out the other. Living out the gospel of
Christ provides a witness that it truly is the power of God, to save.
In the report that Epaphroditus would have provided, Paul has some concerns about the witness of the
church, in Philippi.
Over ten years before, when Paul was evangelizing the city - a proud Roman colony - the citizens of
Philippi had not hesitated to take action against the perceived threat posed by what they considered to be an
unlawful religion, to Romans. Both citizens and magistrates participated in the illegal beating and
imprisonment of Paul and Silas back then (Acts 16:19-24).
And the city became increasingly hostile to believers in Christ. The worship of the current emperor Nero
had been instituted by Rome, and was being included with the worship of the pagan pantheon - with
offerings routinely made to mark all public ceremonies and functions.
These offerings were an expression of loyalty to the state - and as such, they were zealously upheld by
Roman citizens, such as those in the Roman colony of Philippi. But the believers in Philippi could express
no such loyalty to false gods, including the emperor - for their loyalty belonged to Another - to their Lord
and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Their unwillingness to comply with the offerings to the gods and the emperor resulted in their persecution,
by the other citizens of Philippi - as Paul called it, a great trial of affliction (2 Cor 8:2, 1 Th 2:14-16).
By the time of this letter, the persecution had intensified to the point where it was causing the believers to
neglect their witness to the city - due to fear. It was also generating internal pressure within the church,
creating differences among the brethren, leading to complaints and arguments - disunity.
Paul recognized that if this trend remained unchecked, it would result in Philippi no longer hearing the
gospel, no longer seeing it lived out - the witness to Christ by the believers in that city would cease.

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That witness to Christ is a witness to the love of God. The Father so loved the world, that He gave His
only begotten Son (Jn 3:16). Christ so loved, that He laid down His life for us (Jn 10:15, Eph 5:2). And as
believers in Christ, we so love - because He first loved us (1 Jn 4:19). Love for one another, as fellow
Christ Ones. Love for those who are perishing - who need to be saved, just as we were.
So thats what Paul prays for the Philippians - that their love may abound still more and more - that their
love will overflow the self-serving barriers, which they have imposed on it. This is Gods love, informed
and directed by Him through willing believers. It can overcome their fear of persecution, and their
tendency to exert their own selfish will over their brethren - so that the love of God can flow out, and be
received, by others.
As Paul continues with his letter, he seeks to reassure his friends in Philippi about the circumstances of his
imprisonment.
[Philippians 1:12-18]
We see that Paul is disclosing at length many details concerning his imprisonment in Rome - and as the
passage continues, in verses 19-26, even some personal reflections, about it. There is nothing quite like
this in any of his other letters - a revelation so personal and detailed, concerning his current circumstances.
Now, we might think that Paul is writing all of this because he is particularly close with members of this
assembly - they are his intimate friends - and that is true. But there is a more significant reason why Paul is
sharing these details, with the believers in Philippi.
Paul wants his friends to see that, in the hand of God, adversity - suffering - becomes a tool that God uses
for good - to advance His purposes - for the believer who is willing to be shaped by it.
Notice how Paul begins - But I want you to know, brethren (v. 12). What does Paul want them to know?
The things that have happened to him? They know what has happened to him. They know by now that he
was arrested. They know he is currently in Rome - they sent Epaphroditus to him there. So what dont they
know? They dont know how everything has turned out.
Do you think the Philippians view whats happened to Paul is good, or bad? Hes been arrested; hes been
falsely charged; hes been imprisoned; hes going to be tried, maybe found guilty, maybe executed. Not
good, right? Not good for Paul, certainly; he must be languishing away, in prison; and not good for the
gospel, either - his ministry must have ceased.
We can see that Ephaphroditus would have communicated the worries of the Philippian believers, for Paul
and the gospel - things have turned out terribly. Well, Paul wants them to know nothing could be further
from the truth; that actually, things have turned out - wonderfully!
As Paul continues in verse 12, he indicates that instead of the things happening to him being a hindrance,
they have resulted in the furtherance of the gospel. The word for furtherance means advancement forward movement - and is sometimes used in connection with armies advancing - in spite of obstacles,
dangers and distractions.
In the war for the souls of men, thats exactly what was happening. New souls were being taken captive, by
the love of God, in Christ.

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But how could that be happening? Paul was in chains - surely the limitation on his movement imposed a
limitation on the gospel. But as Paul continues in verse 13, he shows that his imprisonment proved to be no
limitation for God; in fact, God was using it to advance the gospel in two amazing ways.
Paul indicates that his imprisonment opened up a whole new realm of ministry to him; a fresh audience was
getting exposed to the gospel. Who was this audience? Paul indicates it to be the whole palace guard. In
the Greek, this term refers here to the Praetorian guard; these were the elite troops of the emperor, the
imperial guard of Caesar and his household, and there were 13-14,000 of them, stationed in Rome.
Remember that Paul was granted the privilege of being under house arrest, instead of being incarcerated in
the public prison. But he was not entirely free in that house. A member of the imperial guard was chained
to Paul day and night. These guards had four-hour shifts. Well, Paul could share a lot, in four hours! No
doubt each guard got his own private hearing, of the gospel.
But the guards could see the gospel, also - as it continued to be lived out, by Paul. Of course, they would
know that Paul was accused by the Jews of starting a riot, in Jerusalem. But they would also have heard
that he had been subjected to three trials already in Caesarea - and that the Jews had been unsuccessful, in
prosecuting him.
And as they watched and listened, during their four-hour shifts with this man, they could not but come to
the conclusion that the only thing that Paul was guilty of - was the love of God, and of his fellow man. This
man was imprisoned, not for a crime, but for his faith - and would not that have caused the guards to take to
heart the gospel, that this man had staked his very life upon?
Pauls wording here suggests they did just that. And when we get to the end of this letter, well see that the
gospel had penetrated right to the heart of the imperial household (Phil 4:22) - perhaps it was some of these
same imperial guards who were responsible for that!
Notice in verse 13 that Paul adds it has become evident, not just to the whole palace guard, but to all the
rest. Who does Paul mean by that? Certainly he means people in Rome, but specifically, those who came
to visit him.
Although Paul was imprisoned in a house, people were permitted to come and see him. Luke comments on
this at the end of the book of Acts. Turn to Acts chapter 28.
[Acts 28:30-31] So Paul continued to minister during the entire period of his house arrest. His letters
during this time record visits from those who ministered together with him, as well as members of the
Gentile assemblies in Europe and Asia. And certainly, members of the house churches in Rome would have
consistently taken the opportunity to visit Paul, while he was in their city - those who desired to learn from
him.
But there were also those who came to inquire, concerning Pauls faith - and to them, Paul preached the
kingdom of God - he shared the gospel with them. These included the unbelieving Jews, in Rome - some
of his very first visitors (Acts 28:17-29).
So it would seem that Pauls ministry, which the unbelieving Jews in Jerusalem had intended to destroy,
was simply redirected by the Lord, in a unique and beneficial way. What man meant for evil against Paul,
God used for good - to save many people alive (Gen 50:20).

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Can you imagine how this news would be received by the believers in Philippi? They were thinking Pauls
imprisonment meant the end of his ministry, and a great setback for the gospel -and instead, it turned out to
be a new beginning - with new ground being taken, for the Lord.
And they just had to marvel at the boldness of Paul - his arrest had come about, indirectly, because of his
preaching of the gospel, and there he was, under arrest - and still preaching the gospel! And doing so, in
the heart of the Roman Empire! Right under the nose of the emperors troops! And no one forbade Paul
from doing it! And he kept on doing it - with all confidence.
It was a clear demonstration of the power of their Lord, Jesus Christ - that no earthly power could thwart.
Can you see how this would have encouraged the Philippian church, to renew their witness, in their own
city - that colony of Rome? Which is the reason why Paul was relating what had happened to him, to the
believers there.
[Return to Philippians]
But there was another amazing way that the Lord was using Pauls imprisonment, to advance the gospel which we find in verse 14. Lets read that again.
v. 14 Paul is speaking about the believers in Rome. Remember that this is a city which Paul always
desired to visit, but the Holy Spirit had never directed him there, in the past - as the Lord had Paul preach
the gospel where Christ was not named (Rom 15:20). The church in Rome had long before been
established by others.
Paul finally got his opportunity to visit Rome - not in any way he could have expected - but in chains. Yet
as the believers in Rome witnessed Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, brought there as a prisoner, they found
in themselves new boldness in Christ to preach the gospel in their city - and they were doing so fearlessly.
Why would they fear? For the same reasons the Philippian believers would fear - only more so. The
demand for allegiance to the emperor would have been greatest in Rome, the seat of imperial power. And
at this time, believers in Christ were beginning to come up on the state radar as a superstition - a belief
that was viewed as undermining to the fabric of Roman society; a belief that Rome would not tolerate.
And yet despite this, the believers courageously began to proclaim the words of Life to their fellow
citizens. Here was something else for the believers in Philippi to marvel about - ordinary believers such as
themselves, who had overcome the same fears that they had, to proclaim Christ - right in Neros own city!
This would have been another great encouragement to them.
But Paul wants the believers in Philippi to know the full truth - the reality of the situation, in Rome - the
whole picture. And its not all rosy, as he goes on to show the motivations of those who were now
preaching so boldly, in Rome.
v. 15-17 Now, when we first read this, we tend to think that Paul is talking here about two completely
different groups, in Rome.
There are the believers, on the one hand - those who preach Christ from goodwill (v. 15); who are doing it
by the grace of God, for the love of their fellow man. They preach Christ out of love (v. 17) - in this case,
meaning their love for Paul - their brother, in Christ.

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These believers understand that Paul has been appointed by the Lord Jesus Himself for the defense of the
gospel. Seeing that Paul is now in chains, these believers are prompted by Love to step up and fill in - to
boldly defend the gospel in Rome, in Pauls place - like soldiers who take up the position of a fallen
comrade.
On the other hand, it would seem that Paul is speaking then about unbelievers - in this case, perhaps false
teachers, who preach from envy and strife; who preach from selfish ambition; who think theyre adding
affliction to Pauls chains.
But Paul has not left that interpretation open to us - or to the Philippians. Remember that Paul has
described them all in verse 14 as brethren - almost always a term he uses for believers, and never for false
teachers. And Paul further qualifies them as brethren in the Lord - so that there can be no mistaking them.
Whats more, Paul says that both groups are preaching Christ. Paul never says this of false teachers they preach a different gospel, which is not another (Gal 1:6-7); they preach another Jesus, whom we
have not preached (2 Cor 11:4). By Pauls description, then, these are genuine believers; and they are
genuinely preaching Christ; they are truly speaking the word of God - as the other group is.
The difference is that these believers are doing so out of an impure motivation - as Paul said, not sincerely.
Instead of being constrained by the love of God to preach Christ, out of love for others, they have selfish
ambitions - to gain converts, who will follow their specific teaching.
Paul says that they preach Christ from envy - they are jealous of Paul, of the success of his ministry. Now
he is in chains, but he is still preaching - and doing so in Rome - their perceived mission field. His chains
have made them bold to reach the unconverted - before Paul can reach them.
Notice that Paul says they preach Christ out of strife (v. 15) - they perceive Paul as their rival. And they
suppose to add affliction to his chains (v. 16); to add to the distress and the suffering he is experiencing due
to his circumstances.
It is not unlikely that they were even slandering Paul, in order to realize their ambitions. After all, they
would point out, why is Paul a prisoner? He has been accused of instigating a riot, at the temple in
Jerusalem. This must be the judgment of God, on his ministry - clearly God disapproves of Paul, and his
methods!
Wow, thats horrible! Is it possible for believers to do such things? We know it is; we have only to
consider history; and even to consider our own day; and maybe even ourselves, to know that genuine
believers are completely capable of unrighteous actions, when their hearts are not kept by the love of God.
Thats why we find this warning in Proverbs: Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the
issues of life (Prov 4:23).
Some believers in Rome had not kept their heart staid on the Lord - so that it became lifted up, and jealous
of Paul - and out sprang this revolting rivalry, and disparaging talk - intended to wound Paul. It is not
unlike hitting a man who cannot defend himself.
The history of the church in Rome may provide us with a little more insight into whom these believers
might have been. When the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Body of Christ at Pentecost, there were both
Jews and proselytes (Gentile converts to Judaism) from Rome present - religious pilgrims who had come
up to Jerusalem for the feast (Acts 2:10).

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It is likely that some of these became believers, and brought the gospel back with them to Rome, where
they would have shared it in their synagogues. Some of the Jews there believed, but those who did not rose
up in opposition against the faith. Over time, this appears to have eventually resulted in rioting in Rome, as
recorded by the Roman historian, Suetonius.
Suetonius wrote, Since the Jews constantly made disturbances [rioted] at the instigation of Chrestus, he
[meaning the emperor Claudius] expelled them from Rome (Claudius, 25.1-5).
Chrestus is considered to be a corruption of the Greek Christos Christ.
So in an effort to keep the peace, the emperor in that day, Claudius, had all the Jews expelled from Rome.
Whether these Jews believed in Christ or not was of no concern to Claudius - at that time, believers in
Christ were just considered another sect of Judaism.
Luke actually refers to this edict of Claudius in the book of Acts. Turn to Acts chapter 18. This took place
during Pauls second missionary journey.
[Acts 18:1-2] So Aquila and Priscilla were Jews who were recently expelled from Rome, according to
Claudius edict. This took place in 49 AD. Five years later, Claudius died, and this edict was automatically
repealed. Most of the Jews would have returned to Rome, at that time.
This episode had a profound effect on the church in Rome. At the time of the expulsion, the church,
established for almost 20 years, would already have had many Gentile believers. These would have been
inclined to look to the Jewish believers for instruction, with their knowledge of the Scriptures. And no
doubt that instruction was somewhat legalistic - for living by the Law was what was familiar to the Jews.
But with the 5-year absence of the Jews, the church in Rome - now completely Gentile - would have really
learned to live by the leading of the Holy Spirit - the Law never having been part of their culture, in the
first place.
Naturally, when the Jews returned, they would be inclined to resume their role as teachers of the Gentile
believers - especially the new ones, that had been added to the church while they were gone. But would the
Gentiles, having experienced their freedom to live by the Spirit, be inclined to submit to their teaching?
No.
Relations between the two groups were strained, with the Jews seeing themselves as superiors to the
lawless Gentiles - and the Gentiles convinced they were better than their legalistic Jewish brethren - they
were free in Christ.
It was three years after this that Paul became aware through the Spirit that he would be going to Rome although he didnt know how, at first. Having many fellow laborers in Rome, Paul would have been
informed of the situation there.
Paul wrote his letter to the Roman church from Corinth as a means of introducing himself and his gospel to
the Roman assemblies. And in it, he proceeded to show both Jewish and Gentile believers alike that the
gospel is the great equalizer.
There is no difference; all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Rm 3:23); all are justified by
simple faith in Christ alone (Rm 3:28); all are to walk according to the Spirit (Rm 8:4).

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This letter would have been circulated to all of the house churches in Rome, so that by the time Paul
actually came to Rome - about three years later - all the believers would have been familiar with what Paul
wrote, in it.
Now, Paul had spoken the truth in love, in his letter to the Romans. But sometimes, Love has some tough
things to say. Paul was telling both Jew and Gentile that neither was better than the other - that they were
both sinners, who were saved by grace, and who must now live by grace.
But Paul had to make some special points to the Jewish believers. The Jew did not have better standing
than the Gentile, because of his heritage, or the Law, or circumcision (Rm 2). And no one could be
sanctified by the Law (Rm 6:14, 15), any more than they could be justified by it (Rm 3:20).
And Paul said that because of the nations unbelief, God had to lay Israel aside for a time, until the fullness
of the Gentiles had come in - during the church age (Rm 11:25). And that the Jewish brethren were not to
judge Gentile believers (Rm 14:10), but instead to receive them as equals - as brothers in Christ - in love united as one people (Rm 15:5-7).
Do you think that all of the Jewish brethren accepted what Paul had to say? Unlikely! And Paul was an
outsider, to the church in Rome. Who was he to tell them what to do?
In his letter to the Romans, Paul called himself a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles (Rm 15:16).
Perhaps the Jewish believers there did not see themselves - and Rome - as within Pauls realm of authority.
That is, until Paul came to Rome. You can see that if some of these Jewish brethren resented Paul before,
they would perceive him now as kind of a threat; a rival, that had arrived on the scene. Sadly, this
unrighteous attitude toward Paul may have been what was fueling this preaching of the gospel - for them, a
loveless exercise.
But notice what Paul says, in verse 16. As these errant believers preach Christ, with their wrong
motivation, they suppose to add affliction to Pauls chains. They suppose this - that is, thats what they
think they are doing.
How could their preaching of the gospel do that, anyway? If Paul was such a one as them. Pauls success
made them jealous; it had eaten away at them. They supposed that their success would do the same, to him
- an added affliction.
But Paul was emphatically NOT such a one as them - as we discover in verse 18.
v. 18 Always for Paul, first and foremost, is Christ. Although some of these believers have wrong intent,
they are still preaching Christ, according to Paul. There is power in the words alone - the power of God
unto salvation - and Paul knows that God is fully able to use even this preaching of the gospel, to deliver
men from death.
Think back to the prophet Jonah. Were not the people of Nineveh saved by God through the preaching of
Jonah, though Jonahs heart was set against them - and though he hardly gave them opportunity to repent,
with his scant words?
Yet God used those few words to generate repentance throughout the city - through which God was enabled
to extend His mercy, and spare the Ninevites (Jon 3).

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So whether the preaching of Christ was motivated by true love, or by selfishness, pretending to be love,
Paul recognized that either way, God could use it. We see that Paul was not offended for himself by these
contenders. His only concern was for the gospel - and even when it is not being given out by him, but by
others, Paul rejoices.
We can certainly understand why Paul would relate to the Philippians how his imprisonment has caused his
guards and others to come to Christ, and how it has caused the believers in Rome to boldly proclaim the
gospel. By why do you think Paul would give the details found in verses 15-18? Paul had a purpose in
this, as well.
Paul wanted the Philippians to see that his joy was not tied to his circumstances - being confined to a house,
and chained to a guard day and night. Nor was his joy bound up in the approval of others. Pauls joy was
sourced in Christ Himself - and so he could rejoice, however and wherever Christ was proclaimed.
The love of God encountered no barrier of self interest or self protection in Paul, and so that love was able
to flow out, even to Pauls detractors, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit, in the bond of peace (Eph
4:3) - a potent witness to Christ. This was the deep lesson that the Philippians needed to learn from Paul to
enable their love to abound - more and more.
Reading: Chapter 1; Eph 6:10-20, 2 Cor 5:1-10