Devine Scripture

Philippians 1:13

What does Philippians 1:13 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 1:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 1:13 means

Paul’s chains have made Christ known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to many others. His imprisonment has turned into a platform, bringing the message into places of power and among people unlikely to hear it otherwise. The key is that his bonds are recognized as being for Christ—his suffering is interpreted in gospel terms. This public clarity removes shame and opens conversations. The guards, rotating through duty, would have heard the good news repeatedly. In this way, God uses confinement to spread witness. The reach of the gospel is not limited by walls; it can penetrate courts and barracks alike.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So that it became clear through all the Praetorium, and to all the rest, that I was a prisoner on account of Christ;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

so that my bonds have become manifest in Christ in the whole praetorium, and to the other places--all,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

So that my bands are made manifest in Christ, in all the court and in all other places.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

so that my bonds have become manifest [as being] in Christ in all the praetorium and to all others;

Context

This verse provides the first evidence that Paul’s chains advanced the gospel (verse 12). The message has spread among Rome’s elite soldiers and beyond. Verse 14 will show another effect: the emboldening of believers. After that, verses 15–17 will introduce the complicated reality that not all who preach do so from pure motives, but even this twist cannot rob Paul of his joy (verse 18).

v.12Now I would have you know, brethren, that the thingswhich happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the progress of the gospel;

v.13This passage

v.14and that most of the brethren in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Thessalonians 1:8

    For from you hath sounded forth the word of the Lord, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place your faith to God-ward is gone forth; so that we need not to speak anything.

  • Acts 21:11

    And coming to us, and taking Paul’s girdle, he bound his own feet and hands, and said, Thus saith the Holy Spirit, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.

  • Acts 26:29

    And Paul said, I would to God, that whether with little or with much, not thou only, but also all that hear me this day, might become such as I am, except these bonds.

  • Ephesians 6:20

    for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

  • 1 Peter 4:12

    Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial among you, which cometh upon you to prove you, as though a strange thing happened unto you:

  • Acts 28:30

    And he abode two whole years in his own hired dwelling, and received all that went in unto him,

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