Category: Philippians

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Philippians 1:18a – Things That Matter

A man balances on top of a red and white beachball (Grok)

But what does it matter? 

Summary: When Paul poses the question, “[W]hat does it matter?” we are forced to confront the central issues of the Gospel. 

Indeed, what does it matter if Christ is preached to stir up trouble for Paul? In fact, what does that even mean? Can someone teach the Gospel like Paul does and at the same time “stir up trouble” for him? 

Standing on the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a bit like trying to stand on one foot while balancing on a ball. The true Gospel is the sweet spot where you can stay upright. The reality is that we tend to fall off the ball on one side or the other. 

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Philippians 1:17b – The Human Herald

Paul, writing about spiritual forces. (Grok)

… not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 

Summary: Looking at Paul’s letter from a human perspective reveals a Paul who is, like us, an imperfect vessel. 

As you no doubt remember from our last meditation, Paul is talking about the people who preach Christ for unchristian reasons. So far, Paul has mentioned that they are motivated by “envy and rivalry” (Verse 15) and “selfish ambition” (Verse 17a). In this passage, he adds that they hope to “stir up trouble” for him while he is in prison. 

Who would do such a thing, and why?

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Philippians 1:17a – Pineapple on Pizza

A slice of Canadian Bacon and pineapple pizza (Pixabay)

The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition…

Summary: This passage provides us with an opportunity to explore the nature of sin and its impact on sharing the Gospel with others. 

How should we understand Paul’s words in this passage? I know that they sound straightforward, but are they? Let’s examine them more closely.

He writes, “The former (those who  preach Christ out of envy and rivalry) preach Christ out of selfish ambition…”

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Philippians 1:16 – Carry On

Picture of an eagle's head. (Pixabay)

The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 

Summary: Paul’s description of those who shared the Gospel out of love touches the heart as we explore the relationship Paul had with his followers. 

The word Paul uses for “love” is that well-known Greek word, “agapē.” This form of love is most often associated with God’s love for us. 

Human love is often transactional. We “love” in a way that demands “love” in return. If we are not loved as we think we should be, human love can turn to hate in an instant. 

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Philippians 1:15 – Motives

a picture of the elderly woman, gray haired, sitting in a purple high back chair, while she holds a black and white photograph - of the rich pastor in an expensive suit - in an antique frame (Grok)

It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.

Summary: Preaching Christ is a privilege and an honor for those whose hearts are fully committed to the Kingdom of God. 

Have you ever wondered what God thinks about people who preach Jesus on TV and appear to get rich doing it? 

Once, many years ago, a door-to-door salesman sat down in a tidy apartment with a tiny elderly woman. He was there to tell her about the products he was selling: Bibles and Bible books. 

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Philippians 1:14b – Contagion

Picture of people proclaiming God's Word with the Lion of Judah in the background (Grok)

… most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.

Summary: Confidence in the Lord is something every true believer desires. In this life, we are engaged in a spiritual battle. Our primary weapon is to proclaim the Gospel without fear. 

Paul’s chains were made of iron. They were heavy, they bruised and chaffed the skin, and they could not be ignored. There are other chains in this life that are not as obvious. One of them is fear. 

The online dictionary defines “fear” this way:

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Philippians 1:14a – Remembering Our Heroes

And because of my chains…

Summary: Memorial Day is a special day of remembrance. We owe a special debt of gratitude to all who have fought for our country and died for our freedoms. 

Note: This meditation was written for publication on Memorial Day, 2025. 

Chains, for the person bound by them, are a constant reminder of confinement. A person who is chained is a slave to the chains. 

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Philippians 1:13b – Ralphus and Salina

A picture of Ralphus and Salina at dinner. (Grok)

[As a result] … it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.

Summary: It requires some imagination to open up the mind to what Paul means when he describes the “whole palace guard” being aware that he is in chains for Christ. 

Meditations are the playground of theology. When we meditate on a passage like this, it is okay to have some fun. For example, let’s imagine that one of the palace guards is a man named Ralphus. Ralphus is married to Salina, and the two of them live near the palace in a small apartment. 

Our scene opens late one evening as Ralphus gets home from work. 

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Philippians 1:12 – Paul’s Bad Day

Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 

Summary: Comparing ourselves to Paul puts our own experiences in an interesting light. 

Most of us have had a bad day now and then, but very few of us have ever had bad days like Paul’s bad days. 

Imagine going to work and ending up in prison — for years! Or, you are just minding your own business, trying to do your job, and somebody stirs up a riot against you. Before you get to your first coffee break, soldiers grab you and drag you off to be flogged or beaten with rods. Then, just before you clock out for the day, an angry crowd gathers around you, physically carrying you outside the city limits while simultaneously beating you up on the way. Once outside the city, they all pick up rocks and throw them at you until, bruised and bleeding, you black out from the pain (2 Corinthians 11:21-27).

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