Philippians chapter 1

vs 11

Not just pure and blameless, but positively righteous, so full of righteousness outworkings from Christ that God is glorified.

vs 12

There might have been some questions about whether Paul had been wise in getting arrested. Or perhaps they were wondering how God could have allowed it. They might have even been questioning whether sending him food and resources while in jail was going to continue spreading the gospel. But he wants to assure them that the gospel's cause has been advanced.

vs 13

Even when he's in jail, the gospel is being spread. The palace guard have heard, and we assume by that proxy everyone else has heard too.

vs 14

I actually have no idea how this works. I mean, you'd think that persecution of one person, especially a leader, would scatter the believers and make them go into hiding. But not so, it appears. Instead, Paul being in jail has encouraged people. Probably not his jailing, probably his attitude about being in jail.

vs 15

So Paul knows that not everyone who is preaching the gospel is doing it out of good motives. Some are, though, which is encouraging. But the existence of some that aren't should keep us on our toes.

vs 16

Love is the motivation of those who preach for good motives. Love is pretty broad: could be love for God, love for the sinners they are preaching for, even love for Paul who is locked up for it. But why does Paul mention that they know that he is in chains for the gospel?

Is preaching the gospel going to set him free? Perhaps they are doing it out of love for him, because they know he would want them to and that he would go out himself were he not incarcerated? Or is it that they do it anyway, even though they know that's the reason he is in jail, and that they could well end up in jail too?

vs 17

Whatever reason the latter do it (in some way to comfort Paul or for his sake), the former are doing it to hurt Paul. Their selfish ambition is to cause Paul pain and suffering. Pretty bad reason to preach the gospel, really.

vs 18

The former are screwing up, though, because even though they are preaching to see Paul suffer, he is rejoicing. Why? Because the gospel is being preached! He doesn't care why, he cares that it is. Foolish enemies of Paul, doing things that make him rejoice.

vs 19

Paul seems convinced that he's going to be delivered from his chains this time. Partly because of what the Spirit is doing, and partly because of the prayers of those like the Philippians who are earnest for his release.

vs 20

Perhaps his release will be via a coffin, because whatever happens, to him the most important thing is that he has courage and does not shame himself by going against Christ. That he even mentions it, though, even through an air of confidence, means that it has been a struggle for him. Which is fair enough.