In this section, Paul addresses the anxiety of the Philippians on his behalf. He knows that they care for him, as evidenced by their aid and the message sent through Epaphroditus (2:25). Paul also knows that his imprisonment is distressing to them and that they consider it a detriment to the advancement of the gospel. Paul desires to dispel their worries and correct their wrong thinking about what constitutes the true proclamation of the gospel.

1:12–18a · The condition and mission of the gospel:First and foremost, Paul wants to help the Philippians understand that his condition will not hurt the mission of the gospel, but benefit it (1:12). While it may seem that his physical condition and the possibility of his execution would be the most pressing concern, Paul focuses first on what is…