Immanuel - Mankato Bible Class
Study of Philippians – Lesson 5
February 4, 2001
Philippians 1:19-26

Literal Translation: "For I know that this will lead to my deliverance through your prayer and support of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my eager expectation and hope that in nothing I will be put to shame, but that in all boldness as always and even now Christ will be exalted in my body, whether through life or through death." (Verses 19-20)

To what is Paul referring when he says, "For I know that this will lead to my deliverance"? He is referring to the fact that in spite of his imprisonment and in spite of the selfish-ambition of some, the cause of the gospel was still being advanced in Rome. The presence and blessing of God was being experienced in spite of Paul’s difficulties, leading him to a certain confidence that God would deliver him, whether that would be through death unto life everlasting or through release unto a continued ministry as an apostle of Jesus Christ.

The Philippians, after all, were praying for him regularly, and "the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" (James 5:16). Likewise the Spirit of Jesus Christ, that "Helper" promised by Jesus Himself, was also present, as was evidenced by the spread of the gospel. Jesus had stated, "The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:26-27).

Consequently, Paul lived in eager anticipation and hope of his coming deliverance, for he knew that his faith would in no way be "put to shame." His God would remain faithful to His promises. Paul’s utmost concern, therefore, was that in whatever would happen—whether in a release leading to further ministry, or in an execution leading to the end of ministry—Christ would be exalted through him!

Literal Translation: "For to me to continue living—Christ and to die--gain!" (Verse 21)

Paul wanted only to exalt and glorify the name of His Savior, Jesus Christ. Here he expresses that intent very briefly and so states his philosophy of life. While he remained in this world, from the moment of his conversion while enroute to Damascus to his dying breath, his sole purpose was to serve and thereby glorify Christ! In so doing he was intent upon serving his fellow believers and indeed all people with the precious gospel of his Savior. He had declared himself at the beginning of his letter to be the "bondservant" of Christ (cf. 1:1), which meant that his every word and action has the purpose of serving Christ. Consequently, Paul recognized that because of his Savior, death would bring him the fulfillment of all of God’s promises to him. Therefore, it would be "gain"—eternal and inexpressible "gain" to be enjoyed throughout eternity.

Contrast that with the dominant philosophy surrounding the Philippians believers of Paul’s day—Stoicism: "The Stoics…held that a man should be sufficient unto himself for all things, and to be able by the power of his own will to resist the force of circumstances. It was an outward bravado, nothing more. The stoic lived only unto himself. Paul knew of no such outward bravado. His calmness and serenity in affliction, yea, his rejoicing in the midst of the cross laid on him, was the outflow of the inner life in Christ as his Savior. There was nothing apathetic about him. His life and death were dedicated to Christ and the welfare of His kingdom, to the salvation of others." (F.W. Wenzel, The Wenzel Commentary, Book II, Bemidji, MN: Arrow Printing, p. 57.)

Contrast Paul’s view as well with the dominant philosophy of our day—materialism, which rejects the concept of God and suggests that life, after all, is primarily and simply an opportunity to develop and serve oneself. Life in and of itself has no meaning beyond that which we give it, while death ends one’s entire existence. Consequently, is to be avoided at all costs, whenever possible. Those who embrace modern materialism cannot comprehend or understand the Pauline, or Christian, view of man’s existence. Therefore, they can only label it a delusion and the view of religious fanatics!

Literal Translation: "But if I continue to live in the flesh, this to me—fruit of labor! And what I prefer, I do not know. For I am hard pressed by the two (choices)—having a strong desire to depart and be with Christ, which is much better. But to remain in the flesh is most urgent for you." (Verses 22-24)

Paul’s goal in serving Christ was always tied to the kingdom’s growth. Such growth was the "fruit of his labor" as the Spirit used the message preached to bring people to faith and strengthen them in that faith. The thought of choosing between life and death was indeed difficult for him, for by faith he understood the glories of his future life with Christ in heaven. Yet, while he knew this was ultimately to be preferred to continued life here in this world, he also knew of the pressing needs of the Philippians and others in this world. While Paul knew that the kingdom work did not depend upon his presence, but rather the presence of the Spirit of God, the Spirit of God had used him mightily, and for the Philippians he was God’s representative, their source of divine instruction.

Paul’s difficulty is one familiar to many Christians, who groan amidst the trials of this life and long to be with Jesus, but who also love their families and Christian friends and recognize the importance of their Christian witness and work among them. Gladly, Paul and we can leave that decision in the Lord’s hands. He has prepared the programs of our lives, and we will continue our lives of service here until He had determined to take us home to heaven (cf. Psalm 139:16).

Literal Translation: "And being certain of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy of faith, so that your boast in connection with me may abound in connection with Christ Jesus through my coming again to you."

Could Paul look into the future? No, only God can do that. However, Paul was confident that the Lord still had work for him to do within His kingdom and specifically among the Philippians. He, therefore, viewed the future with confidence and certainty. The Lord would effect His gracious and good will, and Paul believed that will would include a return to and continued work among the Philippians.

Historically, this did take place. While the Book of Acts concludes at this point, it would appear that Paul was released from this first Roman imprisonment in 62 AD. From Rome he returned to Greece, before heading west to Spain, which had been his intention for some time (cf. Romans 15:24,28). It would appear that he was later imprisoned a second time in Rome in 67 AD and then executed during Nero’s reign in 68 AD.

Notice that while Paul speaks of the high esteem in which the Philippians held him, he ties it to Christ Jesus and the effects of the Spirit working in their faith. Strong personal bonds many times develop between individual Christians, Christian congregations, and workers in the church. This can be and is a good thing, when Christians recognize that their bonds are based upon the fellowship developed by God in their hearts through His word (cf. 1 John 1:1-5).

Discussion Topics:

1. Paul speaks here with confidence and certainty even while in prison. Review the elements of Paul’s spiritual experience mentioned here, which lent him such confidence and certainty. Discuss how those same elements can lend believers today confidence and certainty in the midst of their trials.
2. Discuss how Paul’s outlook both on life and death can be a powerful influence on Christians of all generations.
3. Discuss why it is so important for all Christians to bear in mind that their times are in the Lord’s hands.

[PDN]