Back in verse 27, Paul encouraged the Philippians to conduct themselves in a worthy manner. In these final two verses of chapter one, the reason for that becomes very clear.

You can see it for yourself in Philippians 1:29-30:

The Philippian believers needed to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ. But why? Paul explains why here. It is because they will experience the same struggles that Paul is facing.

Let’s look at these verses phrase by phrase.

For it has been granted to you – It is no accident that the Philippian believers will experience persecution and suffering. God has ordained it. The word “granted” is rooted in the same word as grace. Paul is making a bold statement here: the Philippian believers have been graced with the opportunity to believe, and to suffer because of it. That indicates that suffering is not something to be avoided at all costs. As uncomfortable as it may be, it serves a very important purpose in the life of the believer, both in Philippi and today.

On behalf of Christ – This identifies the Philippian believers with Jesus, as it does for us. We are not only called to suffer with him, but for him.

Paul may be facing the end of his days on earth. But he knows that God may choose to leave him here for a while more. Whichever may be the case, he encourages the Philippian believers to stay strong.

Take a look at this week’s passage in Philippians 1:27-28:

With these verses, Paul shifts from talking about his own circumstances and begins to exhort the Philippian believers to stand strong in unity and one spirit. The only way the gospel message could be presented effectively was through a unified stance together. The same is true today.

Paul begins this exhortation with the statement, “whatever happens.” This phrase is a very emphatic marker, bringing the reader’s attention to the next words. What does Paul state next? That the Philippians should conduct themselves “in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Remember, this letter is addressed to the community of believers at Philippi, so Paul is not speaking of personal holiness here, although that application can certainly hover as a secondary idea from this and other Pauline passages.

Paul’s primary concern here is for the conduct of the believers as a group, as a community. Philippi was known for their pride in their Roman citizenship. And yet, as Christians, their citizenship is in heaven. Their lives should display this, especially as a community of believers, together.

Though Paul is torn in Philippians 1 about whether he should desire to stay on earth or depart to be with Christ, his way is clear, and this week’s passage explains why.

You can see Paul’s decision in Philippians 1:25-26:

In the previous passages, Paul seems to understand that his death is near, and that he may soon be a martyr for Christ. In fact, the previous verses seem to suggest strongly that Paul was not long for this world.

But in these verses, he seems to possess a new confidence, knowing that his life would continue,at least for a while longer, in order to serve more.

It is unclear where this newfound confidence comes from. Did God reveal something to Paul? Perhaps a legal decision was made in his favor for his impending trial in Rome? We simply do not know. And from Paul’s suggestion in 2:17, his expectation of continued life may not be certain.

What we do know is that Paul will continue to serve the gospel and Christ for as long as he is able. He may long for a reunion with the people of Philippi. But if that should not happen, he is standing with them “in the faith.” In the meantime, he will “continue” with them, probably a referral to his continued prayers and love for the Philippians as they serve Christ together.

Paul’s desire is that he rejoin the Philippians soon. His presence with them once again will increase their joy. The word for “joy” here can also be translated as “boasting,” or even as “glory.” Paul’s life, especially if released to return to Philippi, would bring something of all of these definitions to the Philippian believers. Their joy would increase. They would have more reason for boasting about what God has done. And they would bring glory to Christ as a result.

The previous two verses are some of the most often quoted in this letter to the Philippians. But this week’s passage shows Paul’s heart perhaps even more clearly.

Take a look for yourself in Philippians 1:23-24:

Paul is very agitated. He knows that his time on earth may be short, and he fully expects that his imprisonment may not end well. But he also realizes that to live means that he will continue to preach the Gospel, and to die is to stand in the presence of Christ himself!

He is torn, and doesn’t know which to long for more.

In fact, in this passage, he makes the statement, “I am torn between the two.” This is a word that conveys the idea of being pulled strongly in two different directions, with pressure from two equally strong desires, causing Paul great agitation and anxiety.

It is clear, that if he is forced to chose between the two, his greater desire is to depart and stand before Jesus. The word “depart” is a military term, meaning to strike camp, or a nautical term, meaning to release the moorings and set the vessel free. Paul is ready to die. In fact, this is the more preferable outcome because of the end result. He would be ushered into the presence of God finally and eternally.

While Paul’s theology on what happens at death is sketchy, whether there is a period of waiting until Christ’s triumphant return or he is in the presence of God immediately, his point here is clear. It is better to be ready for death than to be able to understand the process fully.