Devine Scripture

Philippians 1:28

What does Philippians 1:28 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 1:28 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 1:28 means

They are not to be intimidated by opponents. Their calm resilience is a sign: to adversaries, it signals coming destruction; to believers, it confirms salvation—and both realities are from God. Courage flows from God’s verdict, not from favorable odds. The church’s fearlessness testifies that they belong to another kingdom and trust a higher Judge. This paradox—weakness displaying divine strength—exposes the emptiness of threats against Christ’s people. Their steadfastness assures them that God is at work, and it warns opponents that resisting the gospel is perilous. In this way, perseverance becomes both comfort and witness.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and in nothing affrighted by the adversaries: which is for them an evident token of perdition, but of your salvation, and that from God;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and in nothing affrighted by the adversaries: which is for them an evident token of perdition, but of your salvation, and that from God;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Having no fear of those who are against you; which is a clear sign of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and not terrified in anything by those opposing, which to them indeed is a token of destruction, and to you of salvation, and that from God;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And in nothing be ye terrified by the adversaries: which to them is a cause of perdition, but to you of salvation, and this from God.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and not frightened in anything by the opposers, which is to them a demonstration of destruction, but of your salvation, and that fromGod;

Context

Following the call to unity and striving together (verse 27), Paul addresses their stance toward opposition. Fearlessness is both expected and significant. He then explains in verse 29 that suffering itself is a gift granted for Christ’s sake, not an accident. Verse 30 will connect their experience to Paul’s own, encouraging them by shared conflict and continuity with his apostolic example.

v.27Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ: that, whether I come and see you or be absent, I may hear of your state, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the gospel;

v.28This passage

v.29because to you it hath been granted in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer in his behalf:

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 68:19

    Blessed be the Lord, who daily beareth our burden, Even the God who is our salvation. [Selah

  • 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:

  • 2 Timothy 1:7

    For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline.

  • Isaiah 51:7

    Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye dismayed at their revilings.

  • Romans 8:17

    and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him.

  • Luke 21:12

    But before all these things, they shall lay their hands on you, and shall persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for my name’s sake.

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