Philippians 1:28
And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
2 of 21
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ὑπὸ
by
G5259
ὑπὸ
by
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
6 of 21
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀντικειμένων
your adversaries
G480
ἀντικειμένων
your adversaries
Strong's:
G480
Word #:
8 of 21
to lie opposite, i.e., be adverse (figuratively, repugnant) to
αὐτοῖς
to them
G846
αὐτοῖς
to them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 21
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
μέν
G3303
μέν
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
11 of 21
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Matthew 10:28And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.Isaiah 51:7Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.Romans 8:17And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.Hebrews 13:6So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.Isaiah 12:2Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.Revelation 2:10Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.Isaiah 51:12I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;Genesis 49:18I have waited for thy salvation, O LORD.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.Luke 3:6And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
Historical Context
Early Christians faced social ostracism, economic boycott, legal persecution, and mob violence. Fearless witness under threat astonished persecutors—where did powerless Christians get such courage? Paul interprets this theologically: Spirit-given boldness demonstrates divine favor and foreshadows eschatological outcomes. Martyrs' composure often converted onlookers, fulfilling this 'sign' function.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'adversaries' threaten to terrify you into silence or compromise?
- How does your response to opposition serve as a 'sign' to watching unbelievers?
- How is fearlessness a gift 'from God' rather than natural temperament or courage?
Analysis & Commentary
And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God (καὶ μὴ πτυρόμενοι ἐν μηδενὶ ὑπὸ τῶν ἀντικειμένων, ἥτις ἐστὶν αὐτοῖς ἔνδειξις ἀπωλείας, ὑμῶν δὲ σωτηρίας, kai mē ptyromenoi en mēdeni hypo tōn antikeimenōn, hētis estin autois endeixis apōleias, hymōn de sōtērias)—Mē ptyromenoi ("not being frightened") comes from ptyromai ("to be startled, terrified"), used of horses spooked in battle. Antikeimenōn ("adversaries, opponents") could be Jews, Gentiles, or both.
Fearless witness is an evident token (ἔνδειξις, endeixis, "sign, proof, indication"). To adversaries, it signals their perdition (ἀπώλεια, apōleia, "destruction"); to believers, salvation (σωτηρία, sōtēria). And that of God (καὶ τοῦτο ἀπὸ θεοῦ, kai touto apo theou)—this sign comes from God, not human courage. God grants both the boldness and its evidential value. Persecution becomes eschatological indicator, confirming opponents' doom and believers' vindication.