For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
All Commentaries on Philippians 1:19 Go To Philippians 1
John Chrysostom
AD 407
None of the grievous things which are in this present life can fix their fangs upon that lofty soul, which is truly philosophic, neither enmity, nor accusations, nor slanders, nor dangers, nor plots. It flies for refuge as it were to a mighty fortress, securely defended there against all that attack it from this lower earth. Such was the soul of Paul; it had taken possession of a place higher than any fortress, the seat of spiritual wisdom, that is, true philosophy. For that of those without, i.e. the heathen, is mere words, and childish toys. But it is not of these we now speak, but at present concerning the things of Paul. That blessed one had both the Emperor for his enemy, and in addition, many other foes many ways afflicting him, even with bitter slander. And what says he? Not only do I not grieve nor sink beneath these things, but I even rejoice, yea, and will rejoice, not for a season, but always will I rejoice for these things. For I know that this shall turn out to my salvation, that which is to come, when even their enmity and jealousy towards me further the Gospel. Through your supplication, he adds, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ according to my earnest expectation and hope. Behold the humble-mindedness of this blessed one; he was striving in the contest, he was now close to his crown, he had done ten thousand exploits, for he was Paul, and what can one add to this? Still he writes to the Philippians, I may be saved through your supplication, I who have gained salvation through countless achievements. And the supply, says he, of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. It is as though he said, if I am thought worthy of your prayers, I shall also be thought worthy of more grace. For the meaning of supply is this, if the Spirit be supplied to me, be given to me more abundantly. Or he is speaking of deliverance, unto salvation; that is, I shall also escape the present as I did the former danger. Of this same matter he says, At my first defense no one took my part, but all forsook me; may it not be laid to their account. But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me. 2 Timothy 4:16 This then he now predicts: Through your supplication and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope, for thus do I hope. For that he may persuade us not to leave the whole matter to the prayers made for us, and contribute nothing ourselves, behold how he lays down his own part, which is Hope, the source of all good, as the Prophet says. Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we have hoped in You. Psalm 33:22 And as it is written in another place, Look to the generations of old and see, did any one hope in the Lord, and was made ashamed? Sirach 2:10 And again, this same blessed one says, Hope puts not to shame. Romans 5:5 This is Paul's hope, the hoping that I shall nowhere be put to shame.
