1:19 What does the word "salvation" (KJV) mean here?
1:19 What does the word "salvation" (KJV) mean here?
Here the word salvation, which also means deliverance and preservation, refers to the prayers of the Philippians and the Holy Spirit's empowering preserving Paul's bold and fearless testimony of the gospel even though he was still in prison and in danger of failing to maintain it.
Many Christians believe that Paul is talking about being delivered from prison here, but that is not correct, as Php 1:20 teaches (cp Php 1:20). Paul's passionate desire and eager longing and hope was that he would not be found wanting in his witness for Christ, both in word and conduct while in prison (cp Ac 4:29; Ro 14:8; Eph 6:19-20; Col 4:2-4).
Paul wanted God to be magnified and glorified through him, whether he lived or died. For Paul, to live was Christ - his life in Paul - and to die was gain - the gain of eternal glory (cp Php 1:21 with Ac 21:13).
Though Paul would have preferred to depart this life and be with Christ he knew that while ever he lived he had extended opportunities to be even more fruitful for Christ (cp Php 1:22-26 with 2Cor 5:1-4, 8-9; 2Ti 4:6). Paul goes on in Php 1:27-30 to exhort the Philippians to stand true in suffering for Christ as they knew he stood (cp Php 1:27-30).