New Testament
Philippians 1:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Moreover, many of the brethren in the Lord have become more confident because of my imprisonment and are much bolder to speak the word without fear.
Compare translations
And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
What Philippians 1:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Paul is expressing how his imprisonment has had a positive effect on other believers. Instead of discouraging them, his situation has inspired many of his fellow Christians to become more confident in their faith. They see that Paul remains steadfast despite his chains, which encourages them to speak about Jesus more boldly and without fear. This shows the power of example; Paul's courage in the face of adversity motivates others to share the gospel more freely. It highlights the idea that even difficult circumstances can lead to growth and encouragement within the Christian community. The unity and strength of believers can be amplified when they witness the faith of others, especially in challenging times. Paul’s imprisonment, rather than silencing the message of Christ, has sparked a greater willingness among his peers to proclaim it, demonstrating that God can use any situation for His glory.
How to apply Philippians 1:14 to your life
When facing challenges, remember that your faith can inspire others. Like Paul, your perseverance can encourage those around you to be bold in sharing their beliefs. Use your experiences to uplift and motivate fellow believers, showing them that faith can thrive even in difficult times.
Curated for this public verse page. Philippians Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Paul's story: The Stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:57–8:2)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Paul

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Philippians 1:14
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Philippians 1:14
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Philippians
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 61
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- The church in Philippi
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Philippians 1:14 teach about courage?
Philippians 1:14 illustrates how Paul's imprisonment inspired courage among other believers. His steadfastness in faith, despite facing adversity, encouraged them to speak boldly about Jesus. This teaches us that our own challenges can serve as a source of strength for others, motivating them to share their faith more openly.
How can suffering lead to inspiration according to Philippians 1:14?
In Philippians 1:14, Paul shows that his suffering did not deter others but rather inspired them. His example of faith during hardship encouraged fellow Christians to be more confident and bold in their witness. This highlights the idea that personal trials can lead to greater communal strength and encouragement in faith.
What is the significance of community encouragement in Philippians 1:14?
The significance of community encouragement in Philippians 1:14 is profound. Paul's imprisonment galvanized other believers to be more vocal about their faith. This reflects the power of a supportive community where individuals uplift one another, especially in tough times, reinforcing the importance of shared faith and mutual encouragement.
How does Philippians 1:14 relate to sharing the gospel?
Philippians 1:14 relates to sharing the gospel by showing that Paul's situation motivated others to proclaim the message of Christ more boldly. His courage in the face of imprisonment served as a catalyst for others to overcome their fears and share their beliefs, emphasizing that even difficult circumstances can enhance the spread of the gospel.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.