Philippians 1:13
So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;
Original Language Analysis
ὥστε
So that
G5620
ὥστε
So that
Strong's:
G5620
Word #:
1 of 16
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δεσμούς
bonds
G1199
δεσμούς
bonds
Strong's:
G1199
Word #:
3 of 16
a band, i.e., ligament (of the body) or shackle (of a prisoner); figuratively, an impediment or disability
φανεροὺς
manifest
G5318
φανεροὺς
manifest
Strong's:
G5318
Word #:
5 of 16
shining, i.e., apparent (literally or figuratively); neuter (as adverb) publicly, externally
γενέσθαι
are
G1096
γενέσθαι
are
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
8 of 16
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ὅλῳ
all
G3650
ὅλῳ
all
Strong's:
G3650
Word #:
10 of 16
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πραιτωρίῳ
the palace
G4232
πραιτωρίῳ
the palace
Strong's:
G4232
Word #:
12 of 16
the praetorium or governor's courtroom (sometimes including the whole edifice and camp)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
2 Timothy 2:9Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.Ephesians 3:1For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,Acts 26:29And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.Ephesians 6:20For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.Philippians 1:7Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
Historical Context
The Praetorian Guard, elite soldiers stationed in Rome, served as imperial bodyguards and law enforcement. Prisoners awaiting Caesar's tribunal were chained to rotating guards 24/7. This forced captive audience heard the gospel repeatedly. 'Caesar's household' (4:22) included hundreds of slaves and freedmen managing imperial affairs—a strategic bridgehead for Christianity into Rome's power center.
Questions for Reflection
- How can your limitations become platforms for gospel witness like Paul's chains did?
- What 'captive audiences' has God placed in your life who might otherwise never hear the gospel?
- How do you ensure your suffering is recognized as 'in Christ' rather than ambiguous misfortune?
Analysis & Commentary
So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places (ὥστε τοὺς δεσμούς μου φανεροὺς ἐν Χριστῷ γενέσθαι ἐν ὅλῳ τῷ πραιτωρίῳ, hōste tous desmous mou phanerous en Christō genesthai en holō tō praitōriō)—Phanerους ("manifest, clearly known") indicates Paul's chains became widely publicized, but qualified: in Christ (ἐν Χριστῷ, en Christō)—known as imprisonment for Christ, not for crime.
The palace (πραιτώριον, praitōrion) could mean the Praetorian Guard (imperial bodyguard, ~10,000 soldiers) or Caesar's household staff. Rotation of guards chained to Paul (Acts 28:16) exposed many to the gospel. And in all other places (καὶ τοῖς λοιποῖς πᾶσιν, kai tois loipois pasin) suggests evangelism rippled beyond official circles to general populace. What Rome intended to silence Paul instead amplified his witness to Caesar's own court.