Philippians 1:20
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Paul isn't just hoping to avoid shame; he's praying that Christ will be "magnified" – essentially, made as great and glorious as possible – through his body, no matter the circumstances. This reveals his deepest desire: not his own comfort or safety, but Christ's supreme honor, whether he lives to serve or dies a martyr.
as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is writing this letter from prison, likely in Rome, and despite his difficult circumstances, he expresses immense joy and confidence. He's responding to reports that some are preaching Christ out of envy, but he rejoices that Christ is being proclaimed nonetheless. He then pivots to his own personal hope and expectation regarding his trial, stating that he trusts God will be honored through whatever outcome awaits him.
Paul speaks of an 'earnest expectation' and 'hope.' What's the difference, and why does this intense longing matter?
Paul uses a powerful Greek word that describes a focused, eager watchfulness, like stretching your neck out to see what's coming.
Paul declares Christ will be 'magnified' whether he lives or dies. How can our bodies, in life or death, become a platform for God's glory?
The core of Paul's desire is that Christ be 'magnified' – made great, shown to be glorious – through his physical existence and even his potential death.
Ask a follow-up
Paul is so focused on Christ being honored that he declares he 'will not be at all ashamed.' What does this freedom from shame look like?
The absence of shame is directly tied to the presence of Christ's glory. Paul's confidence isn't in himself, but in Christ's power working through him.
Understand the original words
aischynomai · Greek Verb
A state of being deeply disgraced or having one's confidence shattered; in Christian hope, it is the assurance that one will not be put to shame because their trust is firmly placed in Christ.
parrhēsia · Greek Noun
Boldness, confidence, or openness of speech; the courageous ability to speak or act without fear, especially in the face of opposition or danger.
megalynō · Greek Verb
To make glorious or show the weight/significance of someone; to exalt or manifest the divine character through one’s own life and actions.
Paul's powerful words about honoring Christ in his body, whether by life or death, are penned while he's under house arrest in Rome, facing an uncertain trial. This backdrop of potential execution and persecution, even amidst his imprisonment, fuels his conviction that Christ will be glorified through him, no matter the outcome.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
The Apostle Paul is under house arrest in Rome, awaiting trial. During this period, he is able to receive visitors and write letters, including the Epistle to the Philippians.
c. AD 62
Trial and Potential Sentencing
Paul's trial before Emperor Nero or his representatives is imminent. The outcome is uncertain, with possibilities ranging from release to execution.
c. AD 64
Great Fire of Rome
A devastating fire sweeps through Rome, leading Emperor Nero to blame the Christian community. This event precipitates increased persecution of Christians.
c. AD 67
Paul's Martyrdom (Traditional)
According to tradition, Paul is eventually executed in Rome during Nero's reign, possibly as a result of the persecution following the Great Fire.
This passage also uses the unique Greek word for 'earnest expectation' (apokaradokia), highlighting a profound longing for God's glory to be revealed, mirroring Paul's hopeful anticipation in Philippians.
Galatians 2:20Paul declares 'I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me,' echoing the sentiment of surrendering his own life and body to the glorifying of Christ, whether in life or death.
2 Corinthians 4:10This verse speaks of 'always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies,' directly connecting the physical body and its experiences to the magnified glory of Christ.
John 12:24Jesus states, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.' This illustrates how Paul's potential death could lead to Christ being magnified and bearing much fruit.
1 Corinthians 6:20The apostle reminds believers that 'you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body,' reinforcing the idea that our physical bodies are intended to honor and magnify Christ, regardless of life's circumstances.
vincentPhilippians 1:20: "According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death."
Earnest expectation (ἀποκαραδοκίαν)Only here and Romans 8:19, on which see note.Shall be ashamed (αἰσχυνθήσομαι)Rev., better, giving the force of the passive, shall be put to shame.BoldnessSee on Plm 1:8.Shall be magnified in my bodyThrough my bodily sufferings Chr…
barnesPhilippians 1:20: "According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death."
According to my earnest expectation - The word used here occurs but in one other place in the New Testament; see it explained in the notes at Romans 8:19 . The earnest desire and hope which Paul had was not, primarily, that he might be released; but it was that, in all…
Paul isn't just hoping to avoid shame; he's praying that Christ will be "magnified" – essentially, made as great and glorious as possible – through his body, no matter the circumstances. This reveals his deepest desire: not his own comfort or safety, but Christ's supreme honor, whether he lives to serve or dies a martyr.
Paul is writing this letter from prison, likely in Rome, and despite his difficult circumstances, he expresses immense joy and confidence. He's responding to reports that some are preaching Christ out of envy, but he rejoices that Christ is being proclaimed nonetheless. He then pivots to his own personal hope and expectation regarding his trial, stating that he trusts God will be honored through whatever outcome awaits him.
Paul is writing this letter from prison, likely in Rome, and despite his difficult circumstances, he expresses immense joy and confidence. He's responding to reports that some are preaching Christ out of envy, but he rejoices that Christ is being proclaimed nonetheless. He then pivots to his own personal hope and expectation regarding his trial, stating that he trusts God will be honored through whatever outcome awaits him.
"as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death." — Paul isn't just hoping to avoid shame; he's praying that Christ will be "magnified" – essentially, made as great and glorious as possible – through his body, no matter the circumstances. This revea…
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Last reviewed October 2026
