Commentaries Dictionaries Concordances

Philip Schaff's Popular Commentary (4 vols)

Philippians 1:20

Philippians 1:20. According to my earnest expectation and hope. The apostle has two things in his mind

first, the preaching of the gospel of Christ; second, his own salvation. In reference to the former he is earnestly expectant that he shall never be put to shame by the opposition of his adversaries. This feeling makes him able to rejoice in the midst of all their envy and strife: his hope looks farther on, to his own salvation. But he enjoys both these. He awaits the future both of his work on earth and of his call to heaven without fear.

that in nothing shall I be put to shame. The only way in which the apostle could be put to shame was by the frustration of his labours and hopes. He knows in his heart in what spirit he has laboured, and so feels confidence in God that his labour will not have been in vain.

but that with all boldness. The peculiar boldness intimated in the original is ‘freedom of speech.' It is a favourite word for the free preaching of the first apostles (cf. Acts 4:13; Acts 4:29; Acts 14:3; Acts 18:26, etc.). Such boldness could only be the Quality of one whose work had not been frustrated, but to whom the Lord had constantly witnessed as He did to St. Paul.

as always. For since his conversion the apostle had never ceased to teach and preach.

so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body. We should naturally have expected some concluding sentence in which the apostle would speak of himself. That I shall not be put to shame, but that with all boldness I may ‘speak.' But here St. Paul changes the form of his speech, and puts forward only that for which he constantly laboured ‘that Christ may be magnified.' When he says ‘in my body,' he means, by all his powers, by everything that he can do or suffer in this present life.

whether by life or by death. In life the preaching of Christ's gospel would be the means to St. Paul of magnifying Christ; by his death, if it came now at the hands of the Roman power, he would be as a victim offered up to Christ. Thus he speaks himself (2 Timothy 4:6), in that later imprisonment which was followed by his martyrdom: ‘I am now ready to be offered.'

Continues after advertising

See also Philippians 1:20 in other biblical comments:

  • Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

    Verse 20. _EARNEST EXPECTATION_] He had the most confident expectation that God would stand by him, so that he should be enabled, with the _utmost liberty of speech_, εν πασῃ παρῥησια, to testify t...

  • Albert Barnes' Bible Commentary

    ACCORDING TO MY EARNEST EXPECTATION - The word used here occurs but in one other place in the New Testament; see it explained in the notes at Romans 8:19. The earnest desire and hope which Paul had wa...

  • Annotated Bible by A.C. Gaebelein

    ANALYSIS AND ANNOTATIONS I. CHRIST, THE CONTROLLING PRINCIPLE OF THE BELIEVER'S LIFE CHAPTER 1 _ 1. The introduction (Philippians 1:1)_ 2. The fellowship in the gospel (Philippians 1:3) 3. The apo...

  • Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible

    PHP_1:19-26. HIS PROSPECTS. The successful preaching of the gospel will turn to his own salvation. Otherwise he would be put to shame. His desire is that in his person, whether by life or by death, Ch...

  • Barclay Daily Study Bible (NT)

    A FRIEND TO HIS FRIENDS (Php_1:1-2)...

  • Barclay Daily Study Bible (NT)

    For I know that this will result in my salvation, because of your prayer for me, and because of the generous help the Holy Spirit of Christ gives to me, for it is my eager expectation and my hope that...

  • Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes

    ACCORDING TO. App-104. EARNEST EXPECTATION. See Romans 8:19. NOTHING. Greek. _oudeis_. ASHAMED. See 2 Corinthians 10:8. WITH. App-104. BOLDNESS. Greek. _parrhesia._ See...

  • Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

    _According to_ He describes this "supply of the Spirit" by its longed for and expected results, which would thus prove the test "according to" which it would be known as present. _earnest expectation...

  • Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges Commentary

    ΚΑΤᾺ ΤῊΝ ΚΤΛ. “The supply of the Spirit” will evidence itself in the “magnification of Christ in his body.” That the Lord _will_ be so “magnified” is his eager expectation. Thus, the “supply of the Sp...

  • Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges Commentary

    ST PAUL’S PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES AND INWARD EXPERIENCE...

  • Charles Rose Commentaries

    ΆΠΟΚΑΡΑΔΟΚΊΑ (G603) настойчивое ожидание, пристальное слежение. Это слово состоит из предлога "прочь" существительного "голова" и гл. "следить" обозначает следить за чем-л., отвернувшись от всего оста...

  • Charles Simeon's Horae Homileticae

    DISCOURSE: 2139 CHRIST MAGNIFIED IN OUR BODY Philippians 1:20. _Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death_. WHILST the great mass of mankind, like a ship driven with fi...

  • Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

    WITH ALL BOLDNESS,— _With all openness,_ or _in the most public manner._ See John 7:4....

  • College Press Bible Study Textbook Series

    OUTLINE OF 1:19-26 C. Paul's confidence in life or death; Philippians 1:19-26 1. Confidence that his experiences would turn out to salvation; Philippians 1:19 a. Through your supplication. b....

  • Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

    According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or...

  • Concordant Commentary on the New Testament by A. E. Knoch

    1 This epistle was not written by Paul and Timothy in the character of _ apostles_, but _ slaves_. This is important, as it gives us a key to the character of the whole letter. The mention of the over...

  • Darby's translation notes (1890)

    1:20 earnest (a-4) Or 'constant.' see Romans 8:19 . but 'earnest' gives this idea here. 'the constant looking out that it should be so....

  • Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible

    THE PRISONER APOSTLE IN ROME § 1. Address and Salutation (Philippians 1:1). Philippians 1:1; Philippians 1:2. The form of greeting in...

  • Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible

    The above result accords with the writer's EAGER EXPECTATION AND HOPE, that in any event CHRIST WILL BE MAGNIFIED in his person as hitherto: he lives, and will die, for this alone. Whatever happens to...

  • EasyEnglish Bible Commentaries

    LETTER OF JOY Paul’s Letter to the Philippians _HILDA BRIGHT_ INTRODUCTION THE CHURCH AT PHILIPPI Luke described the city called Philippi as a *Roman ‘*colony’ (Acts 16:12). The *emperor Augustu...

  • Ellicott's Commentary On The Whole Bible

    (19-24) In these verses, under the power of that feeling of joy of which he speaks above, St. Paul unveils to the Philippians his most sacred aspirations and convictions, and the division of feeling i...

  • Ellicott's Commentary On The Whole Bible

    MY EARNEST EXPECTATION. — The word is only found here and in Romans 8:19 (where see Note). It implies an intense and almost painful longing for some crisis, a dulness of suspense lighted up with hope....

  • Ellicott's Commentary On The Whole Bible

    [2. Statement of St. Paul’s condition at Rome (Philippians 1:12). (1) THE RAPID PROGRESS OF THE GOSPEL through his bonds, and through the preaching of others, whether in strife or in goodwill (Phili...

  • Expositor's Bible Commentary (Nicoll)

    CHAPTER 3 HOW THE PHILIPPIANS SHOULD THINK OF PAUL AT ROME. Philippians 1:12 (R.V.) HAVING poured out his feelings about those dear friends and children in the Lord at Philippi, the Apostle recognis...

  • Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

    ἀποκαραδ. The concentrated intense hope which ignores other interests (ἀπό), and strains forward as with outstretched head (κάρα, δοκεῖν). _Cf._ Romans 8:19, ἡ γὰρ ἀποκαραδοκία τῆς κτίσεως τὴν ἀποκάλυ...

  • Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

    HIS JOY IN THE PREACHING OF CHRIST AND EXPECTATION OF SUCCESS IN HIS CAUSE....

  • Frederick Brotherton Meyer's Commentary

    “TO LIVE IS CHRIST, AND TO DIE IS GAIN” Philippians 1:12 It was a matter of comparative indifference to Paul what happened to himself so long as the gospel progressed, because the extension of the go...

  • G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible

    This letter is in itself a revelation of Christian experience. The word “sin" is not mentioned. The flesh is referred to only that it may be ignored. It is characterized by a revelation of the mind of...

  • Gary Hampton Commentaries

    PAUL'S EAGER LONGING Vine says the word translated "earnest expectation" means "primarily a watching with outstretched head....signifies strained expectancy, eager longing, the stretching forth of the...

  • Geneva Study Bible Commentary

    (6) According to my earnest expectation and [my] hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether [it be]...

  • George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary

    _Whether it be by life, or by death. To live longer, if God pleaseth, or to suffer death at this time, he shews himself resigned to either. (Witham)_...

  • Hawker's Poor man's commentary

    (15) Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: (16) The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: (17) But the other...

  • Introductory Lectures - Commentary by William Kelly

    There is no epistle in the New Testament which gives so little space to the development of. doctrine as this to the Philippians. Need it be said that it has not the less its own proper office on that...

  • John Calvin's Bible Commentary

    20_According to my expectation_. Should any one object, “From what do you derive that knowledge?” he answers, “From hope.” For as it is certain that God does not by any means design to frustrate our h...

  • John Darby's Synopsis

    The affection of the Philippians, which expressed itself by sending help to the apostle, reminded him of the spirit they had always shewn; they had cordially associated themselves with the labours and...

  • John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible

    ACCORDING TO MY EARNEST EXPECTATION AND [MY] HOPE,.... These words are so placed as that they may refer both to what goes before and what follows after; and the sense be either that the apostle had ea...

  • John Trapp Complete Commentary

    According to my earnest expectation and _my_ hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but _that_ with all boldness, as always, _so_ now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether _it be_ by l...

  • Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

    _What then?_ What shall we think of these attempts, proceeding from such different principles? Shall they grieve us? No, in no wise. For, _every way, whether in pretence_ Under colour of propagating t...

  • Justin Edwards' Family Bible New Testament (1851)

    WITH ALL BOLDNESS; while I exercise all boldness in the gospel, being assured that all things will work together for good to me and Christ's church through me. IN MY BODY; in that which befalls my bod...

  • Kretzmann's Popular Commentary of the Bible

    ACCORDING TO MY EARNEST EXPECTATION AND MY HOPE, THAT IN NOTHING I SHALL BE ASHAMED, BUT THAT WITH ALL BOLDNESS, AS ALWAYS, SO NOW ALSO, CHRIST SHALL BE MAGNIFIED IN MY BODY, WHETHER IT BE BY LIFE OR...

  • Kretzmann's Popular Commentary of the Bible

    The apostle satisfied if only Christ is magnified:...

  • Leslie M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible

    Consistently with the character of the epistle, in his addressing the Philippians, Paul does not do so as an apostle, but linking Timothy's name with his own, makes use of the lowlier title, "servants...

  • Manly Luscombe Commentary on New Testament

    Pioneers Wanted 1 Peter 1:12-26 1. KEY WORDS 12 Fallen out, futherance, gospel 13 Bonds, manifest, palace 14 Waxing, confident, bold, speak 15 Preach, envy, strife, good will 16 Contention, sin...

  • Mark Dunagan Commentaries

    “ACCORDING TO MY EARNEST EXPECTATION AND HOPE, THAT IN NOTHING SHALL. BE PUT TO SHAME, BUT THAT WITH ALL BOLDNESS, AS ALWAYS, SO NOW ALSO CHRIST SHALL BE MAGNIFIED IN MY BODY, WHETHER BY LIFE, OR BY D...

  • Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible

    12-20 The apostle was a prisoner at Rome; and to take off the offence of the cross, he shows the wisdom and goodness of God in his sufferings. These things made him known, where he would never have o...

  • Matthew Poole's Concise Commentary On The Bible

    ACCORDING TO MY EARNEST EXPECTATION AND MY HOPE; he allegeth and explaineth the ground and certainty of his knowledge and persuasion of his enemies disappointment, and all succeeding well with him, tr...

  • NT Verse References in the Ante-Nicene Fathers

    Tertullian On the Apparel of Women Book II And if the requirements of Gentile friendships and of kindly offices call you, why not go forth clad in your own armour; (and) all the more, in that (you ha...

  • Patchworkid's Personal Study Bible Notes

    Php_1:20 according G2596 my G3450 expectation G603 and G2532 hope G1680 that G3754 in G1722 nothing G3762 ashamed G153 (G5701) bu

  • Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible

    ‘According to my earnest expectation and hope, that in nothing shall I be put to shame, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by...

  • Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible

    PAUL STRESSES THAT HE FACES THE FUTURE DECISION TO BE MADE BY ROME ABOUT HIM WITH CONFIDENCE. TO LIVE WILL MEAN THAT HE CAN CONTINUE TO SERVE GOD'S PEOPLE. TO DIE WILL MEAN THAT HE ENTERS STRAIGHT INT...

  • Robertson's Word Pictures of the New Testament

    EARNEST EXPECTATION (αποκαραδοκιαν). In Paul alone from αποκαραδοκεω (in papyri). See on Romans 8:19 for only other example.SHALL BE MAGNIFIED (μεγαλυνθησετα). Future passive indicative of μεγαλυ...

  • Sermon Bible Commentary

    Philippians 1:20 I. "Expectation" and "hope" these are words which connect the heart with the future. II. No power can so light up the future and throw over it the hues of immortal beauty as childli...

  • Sermon Bible Commentary

    Philippians 1:20 I. We all see in some points what St. Paul must have meant by this expression. It was a thought frequently present to him. If he lives, if his earthly life is protracted through toils...

  • Spurgeon's Bible Commentary

    Philippians 1:12. _But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the thing, which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; so that my bonds in Christ are manifest...

  • Summarized Bible Commentary

    CONTENTS: Triumph of the believer over suffering and persecution. CHARACTERS: Christ, Holy Spirit, God, Paul, Timothy, Epaphroditus. CONCLUSION: Those who desire that Christ may be magnified in their...

  • Sutcliffe's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

    Philippians 1:1. _Paul and Timotheus._ The latter is associated as a fellow-labourer, and an apostolic man with himself. They had together planted churches, at the hazard of their lives, and their lab...

  • The Bible Study New Testament

    THAT I SHALL NEVER FALL. _Johnson_ says: "There is no anxiety about himself, only that he may glorify Christ....

  • The ESV Global Study Bible's Study Notes

    PHILIPPIANS—NOTE ON PHILIPPIANS 1:12 Paul’s Reflections on His Imprisonment. Paul assures the Philippians that the gospel is still advancing even though he is in prison (vv....

  • The ESV Global Study Bible's Study Notes

    PHILIPPIANS—NOTE ON PHILIPPIANS 1:20 The crucial thing for Paul is not LIFE or death. It is maintaining his faithful witness to Christ. ⇐

  • The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary

    _CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ Philippians 1:19. THIS SHALL TURN TO MY SALVATION.—“_Salvation_ in the highest sense. These trials will develop the spiritual life in the apostle, will be a pathway to...

  • The Pulpit Commentaries

    EXPOSITION PHILIPPIANS 1:1 PAUL AND TIMOTHEUS. St. Paul does not assume his official title in writing to the Macedonian Churches, Philippi and Thessalonica; it is used in all his other Epistles, exc...

  • Through The Bible C2000 Serie by Chuck Smith

    Now, that we might continue to grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, let us turn to Philippians 1. Paul the apostle was arrested in Jerusalem, held in prison in Caesarea for two years until he...

  • Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

    1 John 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:19; 1 Thessalonians 2:20; 1 Thessalonians 3:7;...

  • Vincent's Word Studies in the New Testament (4 Volume Set)

    Earnest expectation [α π ο κ α ρ α δ ο κ ι α ν]. Only here and Romans 8:19, on which see note. Shall be ashamed [α ι σ χ υ ν θ η σ ο μ α ι]. Rev., better, giving the force of the passive, shall be pu...

  • Wells of Living Water Commentary

    PREACHING CHRIST Philippians 1:15 INTRODUCTORY WORDS 1. Some preach Christ of envy and strife. Of one thing we are sure: we are commanded to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered. Of anoth...

  • Wesley's Explanatory Notes

    As always — Since my call to the apostleship. In my body — however it may he disposed of. How that might be, he did not yet know. For the apostles did not know all things; particularly in things perta...

Continues after advertising

Old Testament