Philippians 1:28

Stand Fast Without Terror

Paul did not want the brethren at Philippi to appear to be "terrified." Shepherd says the word "terrified carries the suggestions of the action of a horse in a race, which becomes scared and springs aside and runs off wildly." People who behaved in that fashion would be discouraged and ready to quit at the least sign of opposition. There is no doubt Christians will face opposition. Paul wrote to Timothy, "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12). But, we need not fear because none of our enemies have the power to overthrow the kingdom or to cause us to lose our souls in eternity (Matthew 16:13-20; Matthew 10:28-31).

In contrast to a terrified existence, the firm stand Paul wanted them to take would cause their enemies to realize they were on the trail to destruction. Paul commended those at Thessalonica because their faith remained strong in the face of persecution and assured them their tormentors would be punished by God (2 Thessalonians 1:3-6). Christians can face times of persecution without great fear because of the Lord's promise in the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5:10-12). That is why the apostles rejoiced when they were counted worthy to suffer (Acts 5:41). Confident living, in place of living in terror, would also show that the Philippians had been delivered from sin (1 Peter 1:28).