Philippians 1:9-26

New International Version

⁹ And this is my prayer: that your love^(A) may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,^{(B) 10} so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,^{(C) 11} filled with the fruit of righteousness^(D) that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel

¹² Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,^[a] that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. ¹³ As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard^[b] and to everyone else that I am in chains^(E) for Christ. ¹⁴ And because of my chains,^(F) most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.^(G)

¹⁵ It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. ¹⁶ The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.^{(H) 17} The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition,^(I) not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.^{(J) 18} But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, ¹⁹ for I know that through your prayers^(K) and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ^(L) what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.^{[c](M) 20} I eagerly expect^(N) and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage^(O) so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,^(P) whether by life or by death.^{(Q) 21} For to me, to live is Christ^(R) and to die is gain. ²² If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! ²³ I am torn between the two: I desire to depart^(S) and be with Christ,^(T) which is better by far; ²⁴ but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. ²⁵ Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, ²⁶ so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.