Exposition of Philippians Advance of the Gospel Despite Opposition Phil 1:12-18

Rome and Philippi

Outline of Philippians Salutation (1:1-2) Salutation (1:1-2) Paul’s Prayer for the Philippians (1:3-11) Paul’s Prayer for the Philippians (1:3-11) Thanksgiving for the Philippians’ Participation in the Gospel (1:3-8) Thanksgiving for the Philippians’ Participation in the Gospel (1:3-8) Petition for the Philippians’ Growth in Christ (1:9-11) Petition for the Philippians’ Growth in Christ (1:9-11) Paul's Personal Circumstances in Advancing the Gospel (1:12-26) Paul's Personal Circumstances in Advancing the Gospel (1:12-26) Advance of the Gospel Despite Opposition (1:12-18) Advance of the Gospel Despite Opposition (1:12-18) Paul’s Confidence that Christ will be Exalted, Either by Life or Death (1:19-26) Paul’s Confidence that Christ will be Exalted, Either by Life or Death (1:19-26)

Paul’s Imprisonment has Furthered the Gospel (1:12-14)... After his prayer for the Philippians, Paul provides an update on how his imprisonment had actually advanced the cause of the gospel (v. 12), in two ways to two groups: After his prayer for the Philippians, Paul provides an update on how his imprisonment had actually advanced the cause of the gospel (v. 12), in two ways to two groups: Outsiders: The reason for his imprisonment, i.e. his proclamation of Christ, had become known to “the whole praetorium” (i.e. the soldiers who guarded Paul) and to others (v.13). Outsiders: The reason for his imprisonment, i.e. his proclamation of Christ, had become known to “the whole praetorium” (i.e. the soldiers who guarded Paul) and to others (v.13). Believers: Brethren in Christ, strengthened in their faith by Paul’s example, were emboldened to proclaim Christ (v. 14). Believers: Brethren in Christ, strengthened in their faith by Paul’s example, were emboldened to proclaim Christ (v. 14).

...Though Not All of the Preachers’ Motives Were Pure (1:15-17) Of these who were proclaiming Christ, they were two groups with two different motives (v.15): Of these who were proclaiming Christ, they were two groups with two different motives (v.15): Rivals of Paul who sought to take advantage of his imprisonment, preached out of envy and rivalry (vv. 15, 17). Rivals of Paul who sought to take advantage of his imprisonment, preached out of envy and rivalry (vv. 15, 17). Disagreement over the precise identity of these rivals. Disagreement over the precise identity of these rivals. Others, supporters of Paul and exercising good will towards him, preached Christ out of love for both Paul and Christ. They recognized that Paul had been appointed by God for the ministry he was carrying out (vv. 15, 16). Others, supporters of Paul and exercising good will towards him, preached Christ out of love for both Paul and Christ. They recognized that Paul had been appointed by God for the ministry he was carrying out (vv. 15, 16).

Paul Rejoices in All Proclamation of Christ (1:18) Paul’s joy is not diminished by those who wish to trouble him. Paul’s joy is not diminished by those who wish to trouble him. His perspective is such that he rejoices that Christ is being proclaimed, regardless of the motives of the preachers. The focus is on his mission rather than himself. His perspective is such that he rejoices that Christ is being proclaimed, regardless of the motives of the preachers. The focus is on his mission rather than himself. He both “rejoices” (present tense) and “will rejoice” (future tense), emphasizing that this is a continual state of mind for him, regardless of his circumstances. He both “rejoices” (present tense) and “will rejoice” (future tense), emphasizing that this is a continual state of mind for him, regardless of his circumstances.

Implications from our Study The Lord will ensure that His gospel is spread...sometimes in ways that go against our thinking. The Lord will ensure that His gospel is spread...sometimes in ways that go against our thinking. God’s gospel is powerful to save, even through messengers with mixed motives. God’s gospel is powerful to save, even through messengers with mixed motives. With the Apostle Paul, we too rejoice that Christ continues to be preached and continues to draw His own to Himself...our perspective and mindset should imitate that of the Apostle Paul. With the Apostle Paul, we too rejoice that Christ continues to be preached and continues to draw His own to Himself...our perspective and mindset should imitate that of the Apostle Paul.

Next Time: Paul’s Confidence that Christ will be Exalted, Either by Life or Death Phil 1:19-26