Philippians 1:23-25 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Philippians 1:21-26

We have here an account of the life and death of blessed Paul: his life was Christ, and his death was gain. Observe, 1. It is the undoubted character of every good Christian that to him to live is Christ. The glory of Christ ought to be the end of our life, the grace of Christ the principle of our life, and the word of Christ the rule of it. The Christian life is derived from Christ, and directed to him. He is the principle, rule, and end of it. 2. All those to whom to live is Christ to them... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Philippians 1:21-26

1:21-26 For living is Christ to me, and death is gain. And yet--what if the continuance of my life in the flesh would produce more fruit for me? What I am to choose is not mine to declare. I am caught between two desires, for I have my desire to strike camp and to be with Christ, which is far better; but for your sake it is more essential for me to remain in this life. And I am confidently certain of this, that I will remain, and I will be with you and beside you all to help you along the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Philippians 1:23

For I am in a strait betwixt two ,.... Life and death; or between these "two counsels", as the Arabic version reads; two thoughts and desires of the mind, a desire to live for the reasons above, and a desire to die for a reason following. The apostle was pressed with a difficulty in his mind about this, as David was when he was bid to choose which he would, either seven years' famine, or three months' flight before his enemies, or three days' pestilence; upon which he said, I am in a great... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Philippians 1:24

Nevertheless to abide in the flesh ,.... To continue in the body, not always, but a little longer, is more needful for you ; for their comfort, edification, and instruction, their further profiting: and increase in faith, and the joy of it. The Syriac version renders the words thus, "but business for you", or "a good will towards you compels me to abide in the body"; and the Arabic version thus, "notwithstanding I choose to remain in the flesh, and this I think very necessary for you";... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Philippians 1:25

And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide ,.... In the flesh, in the body, live a little longer in the world. These words must be understood either of a certain infallible knowledge, arising from a divine revelation, and a firm persuasion and confidence founded upon that which the apostle had, of his being delivered from his bonds, and spared a little longer for further usefulness among the churches; and accordingly some have thought that he was after this set at liberty, and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 1:23

For I am in a strait betwixt two - Viz. the dying now, and being immediately with God; or living longer to preach and spread the Gospel, and thus glorify Christ among men. Having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ - Την επιθυμιαν εχων εις το αναλυσαι . It appears to be a metaphor taken from the commander of a vessel, in a foreign port, who feels a strong desire αναλυσαι , to set sail, and get to his own country and family; but this desire is counterbalanced by a conviction... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 1:24

To abide in the flesh - It would certainly be gain to myself to die, but it will be a gain to you if I live. If I die I shall go immediately to glory; if I live I shall continue to minister to you, and strengthen you in the faith. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 1:25

Having this confidence, I know that I shall abide - Convinced that it is necessary that I should live longer, for the spreading and defense of the Gospel, I am persuaded that I shall now be liberated. This was in fact the case, for, after having been two years in bonds at Rome, he was released. For your furtherance - In the way of righteousness. And joy of faith - And happiness in that way. The farther a man proceeds in the way of truth, the stronger his faith will be; and the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 1:23

Verse 23 23For I am in a strait Paul did not desire to live with any other object in view that that of promoting the glory of Christ, and doing good to the brethren. Hence he does not reckon that he has any other advantage from living than the welfare of the brethren. But so far as concerns himself personally, it were, he acknowledges, better for him to die soon, because he would be with Christ. By his choice, however, he shews what ardent love glowed in his breast. There is nothing said here... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 1:25

Verse 25 25And having this confidence. Some, reckoning it an inconsistent thing that the Apostle (82) should acknowledge himself to have been disappointed of his expectation, are of opinion that he was afterwards freed from bonds, and went over many countries of the world. Their fears, however, as to this are groundless, for the saints are accustomed to regulate their expectations according to the word of God, so as not to promise themselves more than God has promised. Thus, when they have a... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Philippians 1:21-26

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Philippians 1:21-26

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Philippians 1:23

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Philippians 1:24

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Philippians 1:25

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 1:23

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 1:24

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 1:25

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 1:23

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 1:25

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