What does Philippians 1:25 Mean?

Verse Meaning

After weighing all the possibilities it seemed to Paul that he would probably live a little longer. He evidently believed this because the case his accusers had brought against him was not strong (cf. Acts 23:29; Acts 25:25; Acts 26:31-32). The fact that he said, "I know that I shall remain," raises the question of whether he had received some special revelation. That is a possibility, but the Greek word translated "know" (oida) does not mean infallible knowledge necessarily (cf. Acts 20:25). [source][source]

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Statements in the later Pastoral Epistles as well as in the writings of some of the early church fathers indicate that Nero released Paul from his first Roman imprisonment in A.D62. The apostle resumed his missionary labors and returned to Macedonia and probably to Philippi. However, the Romans arrested him again, imprisoned him in Rome a second time, and then executed him as a martyr there in A.D68. If this information is true, he probably did contribute to the spiritual progress and joy of the Philippians as he said he hoped he could here. [source][source]

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Context Summary

Our "manner of life" is all-important. In the open day and in the hours of darkness it must be worthy of the gospel. We must show ourselves to be of a heavenly tone and temper, as citizens of that "city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God." Lady Powerscourt used to say that she dwelt in heaven, but came down for a few hours each day to do her work on earth, returning home at night. Clearly, then, our dress, accent, and behavior should betray us as strangers and pilgrims who can well endure the discomfort of the inn or the troublous experiences of the place of our sojourn.

Notice that remarkable expression, For unto you if is given in the behalf of Christ"¦ to suffer, Philippians 1:29. This is an added honor conferred on us by our Lord. The King gives us the opportunity of lying in the stocks with Him, of standing at the same pillory, and of being crucified on the same Calvary. But those who have drunk of His cup shall share His throne. When earth and heaven shall pass away, His fellow-sufferers shall be His chosen body-guard and attendants in a world where all shall love and honor Him. [source]

Chapter Summary: Philippians 1

¹  Paul testifies his thankfulness to God, and his love toward the Philippians,
⁹  daily praying for their increase in grace;
¹²  he shows what good the faith of Christ had received by his troubles at Rome;
²¹  and how ready he is to glorify Christ either by his life or death;
²⁷  exhorting them to unity;
²⁸  and to fortitude in persecution