Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
In these verses, Paul affirms that whatever his sufferings, he will continue to rejoice since the gospel continues to spread. In general, when Paul refers to his own life, he does so for teaching purposes. He understands that his life is part of a larger plan, and therefore he can be charitable towards those who disagree with him or even rejoice in his suffering, as long as they help spread the word. As Marcus Maxwell puts it: “to belong to Christ is to be part of a larger vision and to be caught up in the purposes of God.”
In verse 19, he hopes for deliverance and thinks that things will work out well. But what does he mean by deliverance? Later he will say that he thinks he will be released from prison so it could be that, but the sentence is not clear. The Greek word translated as “deliverance” means salvation or healing. Usually when Paul uses this word it refers to the end of time, the day of the Lord. His words also echo those of Job 13:16 “even this will turn out for my deliverance.” Here Job means that ultimately, God will vindicate him, so Paul probably means the same. Whether he is released or not, whether he lives or is executed, he will ultimately stand before God who will find him innocent, for he will have done the task God gave him.
He is certain of this because the Philippians pray for him, and the Spirit will help him. God gives his Spirit to us to aid us in trials and to help us grow. In Romans 8:28, Paul wrote: “in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called to his purpose.” Paul, therefore, expects joy whatever happens to him. In verse 20 we learn that Paul thinks he will speak well and boldly, proclaiming the gospel, not because he is a great orator but because the Spirit will guide him. But this doesn’t mean he’s a kind of marionette directed by God, for he is an active participant. God works through human beings (within our bodies), but we need to cooperate with him to see his will done on earth.
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