Philippians 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.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Paul's deep desire is that Christ be honored in his body, whether he lives or dies.
What Does Philippians 1:20 Mean?
Paul opens his heart's longing. With earnest expectation he hopes never to be put to shame but to act with boldness, so that Christ would be magnified in his body, whether through his living or his dying.
Everything narrows to a single aim: that Christ be made great in him, come what may. Paul does not pray first to be released or spared; he prays that Christ be honored, and he is willing for either life or death to serve that end. The word magnified means made large, displayed as great. Paul wants his very body, free or imprisoned, living or martyred, to be a place where the greatness of Christ becomes visible. Such a desire reorders everything, for it can be fulfilled in any outcome.
In the Original Language
megaluno (μεγαλύνω), 'be magnified' -- to make great or enlarge, to display something in its true greatness.