OUR FATHER FROM WHOM OUR SALVATION COMES

Having introduced himself and explaining his status in detention, Paul continues in his letter to the Philippians to express his own hopeful expectation that he would be released from prison by reason of the prayers of his readers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. He explained that he was nevertheless prepared for both life and death because he felt that continuing to live in the physical body was Christ and yet to die was even more beneficial to him. His only constraint in the choice between departing and leaving was that he knew that the Philippians needed him and so he sustained a confidence that he would remain to continue with them in their progress and joy of faith.

19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.

27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. 29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.

Paul let the Philippians  know that in either case, it was imperative that they conducted themselves in ways worthy of the gospel of Christ that they has received so that he would either witness their steadfastness and unity directly or hear of it from afar. 

The Philippians had been under persecution because of the gospel and Paul reminds them that having believed in Christ, suffering for His sake )as Paul himself did) was a privilege that was granted to them.

Amen.

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