Albert Barnes Commentary Philippians 1:20

"according to my earnest expectation and hope, that in nothing shall I be put to shame, but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death." — Philippians 1:20 (ASV)

According to my earnest expectation. The word used here occurs in only one other place in the New Testament (see its explanation at Romans 8:19).

The earnest desire and hope that Paul had was not, primarily, that he might be released, but that, in all circumstances, he might be able to honor the gospel, living or dying. He regarded that as a much more important matter than saving his life. Life with him was the secondary consideration; the main thing was to stand up everywhere as the advocate of the gospel, to maintain its truth, and to exhibit its spirit.

That in nothing I shall be ashamed. This means I will do nothing of which I will have occasion to be ashamed. In these heavy trials, my prayer is that I may not be left to deny the truth of the Christian religion; that, even before the emperor, I may maintain its principles; and that the dread of death may not lead me to do a dishonorable thing, or in any way to shrink from an avowal of my belief, so as to give me or my friends cause for regret.

But that with all boldness. This means by speaking the truth and maintaining my principles with all boldness (see 2 Corinthians 7:4; Ephesians 6:19; Ephesians 6:20).

Christ shall be magnified. He will be held up to the view of humanity as the true and only Savior, whatever becomes of me.

Whether it be by life. This means if I am permitted to live. He was not yet certain how his case would conclude. He had not yet been put on trial, and whether that trial would result in his acquittal or not, he could not know for certain.

But he felt assured that, if he were acquitted, the effect would be to honor Christ. He would ascribe his deliverance to His gracious intervention; he would devote himself with new ardor to His service; and he felt assured, from his past efforts, that he would be able to do something that would "magnify" Christ in the estimation of humanity.

Or by death. This means if my trial results in my death. Then, he believed, he would be able to show such a spirit as to honor Christ and His cause. He was not afraid to die, and he was persuaded that he would be enabled to bear the pains of death in such a manner as to show the sustaining power of religion and the value of Christianity.

Christ is "magnified" in the death of Christians when His gospel is seen to sustain them; when, supported by Its promises, they are enabled to go calmly into the dark valley; and when, in their departing moments, they confidently commit their eternal all into His hands. The effect of this state of feeling on Paul's mind must have been most happy.

In whatever way his trial concluded, he felt assured that the great object for which he lived would be promoted. Christ would be honored, perhaps, as much by his dying as a martyr as by his living many more years to proclaim His gospel.

He was, therefore, reconciled to his lot. He had no anxiety. Come what might, the purpose he had most at heart would be secured, and the name of the Savior would be honored.