Philippians 1:12
New International Version
Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.

New Living Translation
And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News.

English Standard Version
I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel,

Berean Standard Bible
Now I want you to know, brothers, that my circumstances have actually served to advance the gospel.

Berean Literal Bible
Now I want you to know brothers, that the things concerning me really have turned out to the advancement of the gospel,

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

New King James Version
But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel,

New American Standard Bible
Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel,

NASB 1995
Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel,

NASB 1977
Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel,

Legacy Standard Bible
Now I want you to know, brothers, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel,

Amplified Bible
Now I want you to know, believers, that what has happened to me [this imprisonment that was meant to stop me] has actually served to advance [the spread of] the good news [regarding salvation].

Christian Standard Bible
Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has actually resulted in the advance of the gospel,

American Standard Version
Now I would have you know, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the progress of the gospel;

Contemporary English Version
My dear friends, I want you to know that what has happened to me has helped to spread the good news.

English Revised Version
Now I would have you know, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the progress of the gospel;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what happened to me has helped to spread the Good News.

Good News Translation
I want you to know, my friends, that the things that have happened to me have really helped the progress of the gospel.

International Standard Version
Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has actually caused the gospel to advance.

Majority Standard Bible
Now I want you to know, brothers, that my circumstances have actually served to advance the gospel.

NET Bible
I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that my situation has actually turned out to advance the gospel:

New Heart English Bible
Now I desire to have you know, brothers, that the things which happened to me have turned out rather to the progress of the Good News;

Webster's Bible Translation
But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened to me have fallen out rather to the furtherance of the gospel;

Weymouth New Testament
Now I would have you know, brethren, that what I have gone through has turned out to the furtherance of the Good News rather than otherwise.

World English Bible
Now I desire to have you know, brothers, that the things which happened to me have turned out rather to the progress of the Good News,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And I intend you to know, brothers, that the things concerning me, rather have come to an advancement of the good news,

Berean Literal Bible
Now I want you to know brothers, that the things concerning me really have turned out to the advancement of the gospel,

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

Smith's Literal Translation
And I wish you to know, brethren, that the things concerning me have rather gone to the advancement of the good news;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
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:

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now, brothers, I want you to know that the things concerning me happened for the advancement of the Gospel,

New American Bible
I want you to know, brothers, that my situation has turned out rather to advance the gospel,

New Revised Standard Version
I want you to know, beloved, that what has happened to me has actually helped to spread the gospel,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Now I would have you know this, my brethren, that my work has been greatly furthered by the gospel;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
I wish you to know my brethren, that my condition has come all the more to anticipate The Gospel;
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But I wish you to know, brethren, that the things which have befallen me have turned out rather to the advancement of the gospel;

Godbey New Testament
But I wish you, brethren, to know that the affairs appertaining to me have turned out rather unto the promotion of the gospel.

Haweis New Testament
Now I wish you, brethren, to know, that the things which have befallen me have rather conduced to the progress of the gospel;

Mace New Testament
Now I would have you know, my brethren, that what has happen'd to me, has only conduc'd to the progress of the gospel;

Weymouth New Testament
Now I would have you know, brethren, that what I have gone through has turned out to the furtherance of the Good News rather than otherwise.

Worrell New Testament
Now I wish you to know, brethren, that the things relating to me have resulted rather in the furtherance of the Gospel;

Worsley New Testament
But I would have you know, my brethren, that the things, which have befallen me, have proved rather to the advancement of the gospel:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Trials Advance the Gospel
11filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. 12Now I want you to know, brothers, that my circumstances have actually served to advance the gospel. 13As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.…

Cross References
Acts 28:30-31
Paul stayed there two full years in his own rented house, welcoming all who came to visit him. / Boldly and freely he proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 8:28
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

2 Timothy 2:9
for which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained!

Genesis 50:20
As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people.

Acts 16:25-34
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. / Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. At once all the doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose. / When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, presuming that the prisoners had escaped. ...

2 Corinthians 11:23-28
Are they servants of Christ? (I am speaking as if I were out of my mind.) I am so much more: in harder labor, in more imprisonments, in worse beatings, in frequent danger of death. / Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. / Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea. ...

Acts 21:27-36
When the seven days were almost over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him, / crying out, “Men of Israel, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and against our law and against this place. Furthermore, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.” / For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple. ...

2 Corinthians 4:8-12
We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; / persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. / We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. ...

Acts 23:11
The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so also you must testify in Rome.”

2 Corinthians 1:6
If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which accomplishes in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we experience.

Acts 9:15-16
“Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel. / I will show him how much he must suffer for My name.”

2 Corinthians 12:9-10
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. / That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Acts 26:29
“Short time or long,” Paul replied, “I wish to God that not only you but all who hear me this day may become what I am, except for these chains.”

2 Corinthians 6:4-10
Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities; / in beatings, imprisonments, and riots; in labor, sleepless nights, and hunger; / in purity, knowledge, patience, and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; ...

Acts 19:20
So the word of the Lord powerfully continued to spread and prevail.


Treasury of Scripture

But I would you should understand, brothers, that the things which happened to me have fallen out rather to the furtherance of the gospel;

that.

Acts 21:28
Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.

Acts 22:1-30
Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you…

Acts 28:1-31
And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita…

rather.

Exodus 18:11
Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them.

Esther 9:1
Now in the twelfth month, that 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, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;)

Psalm 76:10
Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.

Jump to Previous
Advancement Cause Circumstances Clear Desire Fallen Furtherance Glad Good Gospel Greater Helped News Otherwise Progress Purpose Rather Really Served Tidings Turned Understand Want Wish
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Advancement Cause Circumstances Clear Desire Fallen Furtherance Glad Good Gospel Greater Helped News Otherwise Progress Purpose Rather Really Served Tidings Turned Understand Want Wish
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.














Now I want you to know
This phrase indicates Paul's intention to communicate something of great importance to the Philippian believers. The Greek word for "know" is "γινώσκω" (ginōskō), which implies a deep, experiential understanding. Paul desires that the Philippians not only hear about his situation but grasp its significance in the divine plan. This reflects the pastoral heart of Paul, who seeks to reassure and encourage his readers by sharing insights into God's workings.

brothers
The term "brothers" (Greek: "ἀδελφοί," adelphoi) is inclusive, referring to both male and female members of the Christian community. It emphasizes the familial bond among believers, united by their faith in Christ. This familial language underscores the unity and mutual care expected within the body of Christ, a theme prevalent throughout Paul's letters.

that my circumstances
Paul refers to his imprisonment and the challenges he faces. The Greek word "περίστασις" (peristasis) can denote a situation or condition, often with a connotation of difficulty or trial. Historically, Paul wrote this letter while under house arrest in Rome, as recorded in Acts 28:16-31. His circumstances, though dire, are seen through the lens of divine providence.

have actually served
The phrase "have actually served" suggests an unexpected outcome. The Greek word "μάλλον" (mallon) implies something contrary to what might be anticipated. Instead of hindering the gospel, Paul's imprisonment has paradoxically furthered it. This reflects a recurring biblical theme where God uses adversity for His purposes, as seen in Joseph's account in Genesis 50:20.

to advance the gospel
The Greek word for "advance" is "προκοπή" (prokopē), which conveys the idea of progress or furtherance, often used in a military context to describe the clearing of obstacles for an army's advance. Here, it signifies the unstoppable spread of the gospel message. Despite Paul's chains, the gospel is not bound (2 Timothy 2:9). This highlights the sovereignty of God in using all circumstances, even those that seem unfavorable, to fulfill His mission. The "gospel" (Greek: "εὐαγγέλιον," euangelion) is the good news of Jesus Christ, central to Paul's ministry and the hope of salvation for all who believe.

(12) The things which happened unto me--viz., since he parted from them (see Acts 20:6)--his arrest at Jerusalem, and the long captivity of years, first at Caesarea, then at Rome. Nothing could have appeared to be a more fatal blow to the progress of the gospel; but St. Paul assures them that "rather" (i.e., on the contrary) all these things tended to its furtherance. He had intended to see Rome (Acts 19:21; Romans 15:23-24), since his work in Greece and Asia was now over. He did visit it, although in chains; and his acquaintance with the Roman soldiers at Caesarea probably prepared for him an opening at Rome, which he could not otherwise have found, even into Caesar's household.

Verse 12. - But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel. After thanksgiving and prayer, St. Paul turns to his own imprisonment at Rome. That imprisonment, he says, has resulted in the furtherance of the gospel, rather than, as might have been expected, in its hindrance.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Now
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

I want
βούλομαι (boulomai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1014: To will, intend, desire, wish. Middle voice of a primary verb; to 'will, ' i.e. be willing.

you
ὑμᾶς (hymas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

to know,
Γινώσκειν (Ginōskein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 1097: A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.

brothers,
ἀδελφοί (adelphoi)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural
Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

my circumstances
τὰ (ta)
Article - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

{have} actually
μᾶλλον (mallon)
Adverb
Strong's 3123: More, rather. Neuter of the comparative of the same as malista; more) or rather.

served
ἐλήλυθεν (elēlythen)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

advance
προκοπὴν (prokopēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4297: Progress, advancement. From prokopto; progress, i.e. Advancement.

the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

gospel.
εὐαγγελίου (euangeliou)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 2098: From the same as euaggelizo; a good message, i.e. The gospel.


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