John Calvin 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 expectation. If anyone objects, “From where do you derive that knowledge?” he answers, “From hope.” For since it is certain that God does not in any way intend to frustrate our hope, hope itself should not be wavering. Let the pious reader then carefully observe this adverb secundum, (according to), so that he may be fully assured in his own mind that it is impossible for the Lord not to fulfill our expectation, since it is founded on his own word. Now, he has promised that he will never fail us, even in the midst of all tortures, if we are at any time called to make confession of his name. Therefore, let all the pious entertain hope after Paul’s example, and they will not be put to shame.

With all confidence. We see that, in cherishing hope, he does not indulge carnal desires, but places his hope in subjection to the promise of God. “Christ,” he says, “will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.” By making express mention of the body, however, he intimates that, amidst the conflicts of the present life, he is in no way doubtful about the outcome, for we are assured of this by God.

Accordingly, if we surrender ourselves to the good pleasure of God, have the same goal in life as Paul had, and expect a prosperous outcome (whatever form it may take), then we will no longer have reason to fear that any adversity might befall us. For if we live and die to him, we are his in life and in death (Romans 14:8).

He expresses the way in which Christ will be magnified—by full assurance. Hence it follows that, through our fault, he is cast down and lowered (so far as it is in our power to do so) when we give way through fear. Should not those then feel ashamed who consider it a light offense to tremble when called to confess the truth? But how much more ashamed should those feel who are so shamelessly impudent that they dare even to excuse renunciation?

He adds, as always, so that they may confirm their faith from past experience of God’s grace. Thus, in Romans 5:4, he says, Experience begets hope.