Devine Scripture

Philippians 1:12

What does Philippians 1:12 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 1:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 1:12 means

Paul wants the brothers and sisters to understand that his imprisonment has actually propelled the gospel forward. What looked like a setback became an advance under God’s providence. The chains that restricted him opened doors for witness he could not have planned. This reframes suffering: circumstances do not control God’s mission. Rather than dwelling on loss, Paul interprets events through the lens of the gospel’s progress. His perspective invites the church to see hardships as potential platforms for Christ’s name, trusting that God’s purposes run deeper than appearances and that no prison can confine the word of God.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now I would have you know, brethren, that the thingswhich happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the progress of the gospel;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now I would have you know, brethren, that the thingswhich happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the progress of the gospel;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now it is my purpose to make clear to you, brothers, that the cause of the good news has been helped by my experiences;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And I wish you to know, brethren, that the things concerning me, rather to an advancement of the good news have come,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now, brethren, I desire you should know that the things which have happened to me have fallen out rather to the furtherance of the gospel:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But I would have you know, brethren, that the circumstances in which I am have turned out rather to the furtherance of the glad tidings,

Context

After praying for their growth, Paul reports on his situation to prevent discouragement. He interprets his sufferings in light of the gospel’s advance. Verses 13–14 will give concrete proofs: the message has reached the praetorian guard, and believers have grown bolder. Then verses 15–18 will address mixed motives among preachers, yet Paul still rejoices because Christ is being proclaimed.

v.11being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are through Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

v.12This passage

v.13so that my bonds became manifest in Christ throughout the whole prætorian guard, and to all the rest;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 76:10

    Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: The residue of wrath shalt thou gird upon thee.

  • Romans 8:28

    And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose.

  • Acts 11:19

    They therefore that were scattered abroad upon the tribulation that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to none save only to Jews.

  • Acts 21:28

    crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man that teacheth all men everywhere against the people, and the law, and this place; and moreover he brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath defiled this holy place.

  • Romans 8:37

    Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

  • Esther 9:1

    Now in the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king’s commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, on the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have rule over them (whereas it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them),

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