When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow down to an enormous idolatrous statue on the plain of Dura, they were forced to defend their action before the most powerful ruler in the 6th-century-B.C. world. Nebuchadnezzar, seething with rage, threatened to throw them into a super-heated fiery stove. But Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s reply to the king is instructive: “If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.” They continue, “But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up” (Daniel 3:17-18).

In Philippians 1:19, Paul writes, “for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance.” New Testament scholars disagree about what Paul is affirming. A proper understanding of this verse can help us increase our confidence in prayer.

Option 1: Physical Deliverance. Some interpreters think that Paul, currently a prisoner in chains, is affirming that he will be released from incarceration.

Option 2: Eschatological Salvation. Some interpreters think that Paul is affirming that he will experience final future salvation when he dies—that is, he will go to be with the Lord if he is killed.

Note that the word “deliverance” shares the same underlying Greek word as the word we translate as “salvation” This word (σωτηρία) can be translated either as “deliverance” or “salvation”—depending on the context. The polysemy of this word is the reason for the disagreement.

But I think this disagreement is short-sighted. There are ample clues in the following discussion that Paul is expressing a confidence that God will deliver him whether he is released or put to death. That is, release from prison will be deliverance, as will being ushered into the presence of the Lord through death. In Paul’s mind, both are avenues of deliverance. Look at the either/or toggling going on in the following context.

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