Phil. 1:18-20 - Christ is Proclaimed

18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,
19 for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
20 according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

Christ Will Be Exalted

Vs. 18 - “What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,”

“What then?” - So what? That there are people spreading the gospel in order to harm doesn’t matter; it makes no difference, the Gospel will be preached.

“in this I rejoice.” - Paul is happy the good news of salvation through Christ is being told. He doesn’t care about the motives, as long people are being saved. There is one caveat: the message must be the true gospel. Read the letter to the Galatians for Paul’s reaction to teachers of a “contrary gospel”. (See Gal. 1:8,9, also elsewhere in this blog, Bible Study Notes, http://bsn-by-gas.blogspot.com

Vs. 19 - “for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,”

“deliverance” - This word is also translated as ‘salvation’, and in one Bible version as ‘vindication’. Paul’s salvation was not based on the preaching by friends or enemies. He rejoiced because the Gospel was preached! One of the goals of his ministry was to train others to share the gospel. (See 1 Tim. 2:2) His efforts are bearing fruit, a vindication to others that Paul was doing what God called him to do.

“through your prayers and the provision of the Holy Spirit” - Lifted up by prayer, controlled and empowered by God. Paul knows he is not alone in his effort.

Vs. 20 - “according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death”

“I will not be put to shame in anything” - The power of Jesus Christ and His calling of Paul will continue to lead him in his work for the Lord. The success is God’s for He is at work through Paul. The same is true for you and I. Follow Jesus and pray for each other! Now and forever Christ can live in you and through you. (See John 17:23, 14:20)

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