Philippians 1:28Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He spoke well: "Do not be frightened," for the actions of enemies are such that they only frighten. He says, "in nothing": whatever may happen, whether dangers or plots. Such is the character of courageous people. Enemies can do nothing to them, except frighten them. Since Paul's countless sufferings were probably troubling the Philippians, he does not say, "do not be anxious," but "do not be frightened." More than this, he tells them to disregard their enemies completely. If you are in such a state of soul, this will be an evident sign of their destruction and of your salvation. When they see that their countless plots cannot even frighten you, they will be convinced of their own destruction.

“And do not be frightened in anything by your opponents.” I do not simply say, he writes, “do not waver,” but also “do not be frightened,” that is, do not be troubled by anything, even if they threaten you with danger or frighten you with death. They can do nothing except threaten, so weak are they. This is for them a sign of perdition, but for you of salvation. When they see that all their countless devices cannot frighten you, will they not consider this clear proof that their works will perish, while yours will remain firm, unshaken, and saving?

Therefore do not be frightened in anything before the adversaries. This, that is, the end, is for them unto perdition, but for you unto life and eternal salvation.

Therefore I beseech you to love a life conformed to the Gospel. Then, whether I come to you or live elsewhere, I may rejoice in the praises written of you. This joy is given me by your concord, your unity of mind in divine things, your common struggle in the cause of truth, and the fact that your adversaries do not trouble you in the least. For this prepares destruction for them, but salvation for you. Yet one must know that the Apostle did not write this without reason. He had learned that the height of virtue had produced in some a high opinion of themselves. Therefore he added counsel about unity of mind and concord. Moreover, one must take into account that he did not promise them his arrival unconditionally, but joined a certain limitation to the promise. For he said: "that whether I come and see you, or am absent, I may hear of your affairs."

“And do not be frightened in anything by your opponents.” This also belongs to the explanation of what it means to live worthily of the Gospel of Christ. Do not be frightened in anything by your opponents, nor by anything else. “And this is from God,” that is, it is God’s gift, and we must not think that it is our own labors. For I have already said many times that all is accomplished by God’s good pleasure, compassion, and mercy.

“Not wavering in anything because of the adversaries.” He instills the courage with which Christians must meet all sufferings and dangers for the faith. This courage alone will give them confidence in victory, and for the enemies of salvation it will serve as a sign of defeat. “And this is from God.” Not only faith in Christ, but also suffering for Him, are gifts of God, which are not given to everyone.

"And not being in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a sign of destruction, but to you of salvation" (Phil 1:28). From the history of the early Christian Church it is clear that the hosts of martyrs, who fearlessly shed their blood for the name of Christ, truly inspired terror in the thoughtful enemies of Christianity. They filled them with anxiety about the fate of their native religion. Christians, inspired by one another's example of suffering for Christ, multiplied more and more in number until they conquered the whole world. "And this from God" means that the Lord God Himself, not chance or a concurrence of circumstances, places you in a position where you must bear witness to your firmness in the faith.

The Apostle inspires the Philippians to firmness in standing in the faith by the saving power of sufferings, by the superiority of faith with suffering over simple faith, and by his own example. According to Chrysostom, "He spoke well: 'not wavering,' that is, not being afraid. For the actions of enemies are such that they only frighten. He says, 'in nothing,' whatever may happen, whether dangers or plots. For such is the company of courageous people. Enemies can do nothing to them." Concerning sufferings, he seems to impress this on them: "Do not be ashamed of this gift. It is far more wondrous than the gift of raising the dead and working miracles.

Since the Apostle cannot personally help the Christian development of the Philippians, he now does so in writing. He urges his readers to live as the dignity of the Gospel they have received requires. Then the Apostle, whether by a personal meeting or while remaining in bonds, may hear that the Philippians, despite the dangers threatening them, are still filled with concord (εν ένι πνεύματι). He wishes to hear that they struggle together with Paul (συναϋλοΰντες; cf. v. 30) for faith in the Gospel, with the same sentiments (μια ψοχ·ή). The Apostle desires that his readers yield to their adversaries in no point. These adversaries are the unbelievers.

Stand unshaken, without fear, without wavering through fear, but courageously. This is the same as what the Savior said: "Do not fear those who kill the body" (Mt 10:28). Hold this conviction: your enemies can never do you essential harm. In no way allow the thought that they are in a more advantageous position than you. On the contrary, from the very fact that they arm themselves against you, draw the sure conclusion that they are walking the path of destruction, while you are walking the path of salvation. God has so ordered things that truth and goodness suffer oppression in the world. For this reason the Lord promised all who cleave to Him, not paradise on earth, but what? "In the world you will have tribulation" (Jn 16:33). Be convinced of the saving power of suffering.