{9} 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.

(9) We ought not to be discouraged but rather encouraged by the persecutions which the enemies of the Gospel imagine and practise against us: seeing that the persecutions are certain witnesses from God himself both of our salvation, and of the destruction of the wicked.

People's New Testament

1:28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries. Probably there had been another outbreak of heathen violence at Philippi such as Paul and Silas endured. Ac 16:19-24 Which is to them an evident token of perdition. Your courage. When they see that they cannot terrify or overcome you, it will be a token to them of the ruin which will befall them,

but to you of salvation, and that of God. But an assurance to you of your salvation, through the help of God.

Wesley's Notes

1:28 Which - Namely, their being adversaries to the word of God, and to you the messengers of God. Is an evident token - That they are in the high road to perdition; and you, in the way of salvation.

Scofield Reference Notes

Margin salvation

See note, See Scofield Note: "Rom 1:16".

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

28. terrified-literally, said of horses or other animals startled or suddenly scared; so of sudden consternation in general.

which-your not being terrified.

evident token of perdition-if they would only perceive it (2Th 1:5). It attests this, that in contending hopelessly against you, they are only rushing on to their own perdition, not shaking your united faith and constancy.

to you of salvation-The oldest manuscripts read, "of your salvation"; not merely your temporal safety.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

1:27-30 Those who profess the gospel of Christ, should live as becomes those who believe gospel truths, submit to gospel laws, and depend upon gospel promises. The original word conversation denotes the conduct of citizens who seek the credit, safety, peace, and prosperity of their city. There is that in the faith of the gospel, which is worth striving for; there is much opposition, and there is need of striving. A man may sleep and go to hell; but he who would go to heaven, must look about him and be diligent. There may be oneness of heart and affection among Christians, where there is diversity of judgment about many things. Faith is God's gift on the behalf of Christ; the ability and disposition to believe are from God. And if we suffer reproach and loss for Christ, we are to reckon them a gift, and prize them accordingly. Yet salvation must not be ascribed to bodily afflictions, as though afflictions and worldly persecutions deserved it; but from God only is salvation: faith and patience are his gifts.