1:12 furtherance of the gospel. The Apostle Paul had the spiritual insight to realize that what seemed like great problems and difficulties such as being unjustly imprisoned, could—and would—be used by God to the “advancement” of the gospel. Rather than complaining or even quitting when the Christian life gets hard, the Christian should remember that God can make even “the wrath of man” to bring praise to Him (Psalm 76:10).

1:17 defence of the gospel. This could read, literally, “an apologetic for the gospel” (see note on Philippians 1:7, above). The apostle Peter enjoined us to be ready always to “give an answer” (same Greek word, apologia), to anyone questioning why we believe the gospel (I Peter 3:15).

1:18 rejoice. Paul could rejoice when Christ was preached, even when those so preaching were jealous of Paul’s reputation and authority and were trying to undermine them. In this respect, he has set a remarkable example for modern preachers, evangelists and Bible teachers. See note on Philippians 4:4.

1:21 gain. See also Philippians 1:23 (“to be with Christ…is far better”) and II Corinthians 5:8 (“absent from the body…present with the Lord”). Although death is still an enemy, and we normally want to continue in this life as long as possible, we need not fear death as believers in Christ, for God has assured us that even life in our immaterial spirit body after death is better than this present life, for Christ is there!