PHILIPPIANS‬ ‭1‬:‭21‬ ‭‬‬

This declaration is one of the most profound statements in all of the New Testament, yet is often misunderstood. I have heard it used to promote everything from asceticism to prosperity, but these things couldn’t be farther from the truth. The context that Paul comes to this statement within is that of an advancing Kingdom. Paul has already stressed that he believes that his life, struggles, persecution and chains are a means to an end. He is willing to allow for his own name to be tarnished or even the specifics of the gospel message to be sloppily applied if it means that the Kingdom of God advances. This is because he sees it all as the work of the Holy Spirit, who will overcome all human malintent, and will fill in the gaps of human naïveté. It is here that Paul makes this declaration. It is the apex of this thought. It is an acknowledgment that he is willing to put his life below the advancement of God’s kingdom. It is an reaffirmation to himself while he is in these earthly chains and an encouragement to others who feel dejected and discouraged while watching him, that they should not be concerned for his comfort. While he may seem weak, in his chains, his efforts are amounting to the fulfillment of his goal: the Kingdom of God manifest.