Philippians 1:11,12 - What has happened to me

1:11

We are to be filled with the fruit of righteousness. And this comes through Jesus Christ. We cannot become righteous by our own efforts. We need Jesus, we need the Holy Spirit. Even if we were able to achieve this by our own efforts it would then be to our glory, for we would have achieved it. But it is through Jesus Christ, and it is “to the praise and glory of God”. Our salvation and our becoming Christlike demonstrates the excellence and effectiveness of God.

1:12

Paul now starts to give an account of his circumstances. Paul had a close relationship with the Philippians, and knows that they will be concerned about him. Note what he does not say, Paul does not say “I’m alright”. Instead his reassurance to them is that “what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel”. Acts 20:24 sums up the motivation and purpose of Paul’s life. We can either be self-centred or God-centred. Our lives will be much better and more effective if we are God-centred.