Philippians 1:14
And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πλείονας
many
G4119
πλείονας
many
Strong's:
G4119
Word #:
3 of 17
more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφῶν
of the brethren
G80
ἀδελφῶν
of the brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
5 of 17
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
κυρίῳ
the Lord
G2962
κυρίῳ
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
7 of 17
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
πεποιθότας
waxing confident
G3982
πεποιθότας
waxing confident
Strong's:
G3982
Word #:
8 of 17
to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δεσμοῖς
bonds
G1199
δεσμοῖς
bonds
Strong's:
G1199
Word #:
10 of 17
a band, i.e., ligament (of the body) or shackle (of a prisoner); figuratively, an impediment or disability
τολμᾶν
bold
G5111
τολμᾶν
bold
Strong's:
G5111
Word #:
13 of 17
to venture (objectively or in act; while g2292 is rather subjective or in feeling); by implication, to be courageous
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 2:2But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.Colossians 4:4That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.Luke 1:74That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,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
Nero's persecution of Christians began around AD 64 (after Rome's fire), but even before official persecution, Christian confession carried social and legal risks. Paul's imprisonment under Nero's reign heightened danger. Yet rather than silencing the church, his example galvanized it. This pattern—martyr's blood as seed of the church—became a Christian distinctive.
Questions for Reflection
- Whose faithful suffering has emboldened your witness, and how did it change you?
- How does your response to hardship either inspire or discourage other believers?
- What fears keep you from bold gospel proclamation that Paul's example should eliminate?
Analysis & Commentary
And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear (καὶ τοὺς πλείονας τῶν ἀδελφῶν ἐν κυρίῳ πεποιθότας τοῖς δεσμοῖς μου, kai tous pleionas tōn adelphōn en kyriō pepoithotas tois desmois mou)—Pleionas ("the majority, more") suggests most Roman Christians were emboldened, though vv. 15-17 show mixed motives. Pepoithotas (perfect participle of peithō, "persuade") indicates settled confidence gained by my bonds (τοῖς δεσμοῖς μου, tois desmois mou, dative of means).
Paul's courageous suffering inspired courage. Much more bold to speak the word without fear (περισσοτέρως τολμᾶν ἀφόβως τὸν λόγον λαλεῖν, perissoterōs tolman aphobōs ton logon lalein)—tolman ("to dare, have courage") and aphobōs ("fearlessly") emphasize boldness. If the apostle fearlessly proclaimed Christ while chained, how could they stay silent while free? Faithful suffering catalyzes others' faithfulness.