Paul’s confidence in God’s working in his circumstances, and in and through the saints at Philippi, continues to amaze. He has a hope far beyond His imprisonment and even life.
[Philippians 1:12-30 NASB95] 12 Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, 13 so that my imprisonment in [the cause of] Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, 14 and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear. 15 Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; 16 the latter [do it] out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but [that] with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted 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 am] to live [on] in the flesh, this [will mean] fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. 23 But I am hard-pressed from both [directions,] having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for [that] is very much better; 24 yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again. 27 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28 in no way alarmed by [your] opponents–which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that [too,] from God. 29 For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear [to be] in me.
The thought of rejoicing in manifesting Jesus as the fullness of God’s love and sharing the gospel, the good news, through living… or dying… is remarkable. It is also a bit foreign to us in our times. The apostle’s expression of his hope in vs 20 is an example of understanding that life in Christ is eternal and the foundation of our eternal hope. His sharing gives an example of one that is not consumed with self or his own reputation, but consumed with manifesting and exalting Jesus.
20 according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but [that] with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
Note that he does say his hope is that “I” will not be put to shame in anything. But that is not because of his self interest/focus or sureness that he will be comfortable or comfortably delivered. It is based in a sure confidence founded in his hope, and desire, that Christ will be exalted no matter what comes of him; by life or death.
And then he moves on in consideration that for Him to live is Christ (not for himself, but for the sake of others, like the saints in Philippi) and to die would be gain (more for himself, to be present with, and in, Jesus in His glory).
And, let us note in verse 29 that FOR CHRIST SAKE, IT HAS BEEN GRANTED TO US (the church)….. not only to believe in, or on, Jesus, but to suffer …. that is really to live for the benefit of others… even as Paul did, in Him no matter what. We have a hope and eternal life, come what may. So, let us give ourselves to Him, and let Him pour us out as He will for the sake of others.