What does "eager expectation and hope" mean in Philippians 1:20? Philippians 1:20 in Focus “My eager expectation and hope is that I will in no way be ashamed, but that with complete boldness, now as always, Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.” What “eager expectation” means • Greek: apokaradokia—apo (“away”), kara (“head”), dokein (“to watch”). • Picture: craning the neck, straining forward, eyes locked on a coming certainty. • Same word in Romans 8:19—creation “waits in eager expectation” for the revealing of God’s children. What “hope” means • Greek: elpis—confident assurance, never mere wishful thinking. • Romans 5:5—“hope does not disappoint us.” • Hebrews 6:19—“an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” The content of Paul’s expectation and hope • “I will in no way be ashamed” – Confidence God will keep him from dishonoring Christ (2 Timothy 1:12). • “Christ will be magnified in my body” – Whether he lives (fruitful labor) or dies (being with Christ), Jesus will be honored (Romans 14:8). Why this confidence is rock-solid • Rooted in God’s unbreakable promises (2 Corinthians 1:20). • Empowered by believers’ prayers and the Spirit of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:19). • Secured by Christ’s resurrection (1 Peter 1:3). Living out the same mindset • Fix your gaze on Christ’s glory with “neck-stretching” anticipation. • Let settled hope silence fear of failure or shame. • Evaluate every circumstance—pleasant or painful—by how it can magnify Jesus. • Draw courage from the Spirit and the intercession of fellow believers. Summary “Eager expectation and hope” fuse into a vivid, forward-leaning certainty: Christ will be exalted, and His servant will never be put to shame. That same anchored anticipation belongs to every believer who clings to God’s promises. |
    |