Philippians 1:28 | Pastor Burns' Study Notes

Paul tells them not to be terrified by their adversaries. The enemies of the Gospel often try to intimidate the people of God. But the church is not to be paralyzed by fear. Holy boldness comes from the Holy Spirit. When believers stand firm in the face of opposition, it sends a message.

To the adversaries, it is an evident token of perdition. Their opposition to the Gospel reveals the condition of their hearts. The legal idea behind the phrase points to proof established by the facts. Their resistance is evidence of where they stand before God.

But to believers, steadfastness under opposition is a token of salvation, and that of God. Their endurance does not save them, but it evidences the reality of God’s saving work in them. A true believer may tremble in himself, but by God’s grace he will not utterly turn away from Christ.

Paul’s point is clear: opposition should not frighten the church into silence. Rather, steadfast courage in the face of opposition reveals the difference between those who reject Christ and those who belong to Him.