Philippians 1:25

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 1:25

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 1:25

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 1:25

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 1:12-30

Thoughts suggested by his captivity. I. PROGRESS OF THE GOSPEL IN ROME . 1 . Generally. "Now I would have you know, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the progress of the gospel." It might have been expected that his imprisonment, which is principally referred to, would have fallen out to the hindrance of the gospel. But Paul would have his Philippian brethren know, for their comfort and confirmation, that, though to some extent... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 1:21-26

The great alternative, life or death. I. ST . PAUL IS PREPARED FOR EITHER ; "for," he says, "to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." 1 . Christ was his life . Christ was magnified, not in his body only, in his labors and suffering, but in his spirit. The presence of Christ filled his whole conscious existence; communion with Christ was to him the very breath of life. Life was worth having only so far as the life of Christ was realized in the apostle's life. The... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 1:21-26

Life here and hereafter. The brave apostle, awaiting the slow issue of his case at Rome, has been speaking of the good effect of his imprisonment upon the promulgation of the gospel. He can see the good beneath the apparent evil. And now he speaks of the life he lives on earth and of the other life beyond the shadow of death. Let us notice the lessons as they are set before us here. I. PAUL 'S SELF - ABANDONMENT TO CHRIST . ( Philippians 1:21 .) He surrendered himself in a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 1:22-26

Self-love and social love. "But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labor: yet what I shall choose I wot not," etc. Dr. Samuel Davidson's rendering of this passage, which is as follows, is evidently an improvement on our own version: "But if to live in the flesh this is some fruit of work; and what I shall choose I know not. But I am in a strait betwixt the two, having the desire towards departing and being with Christ, for it is very far better: but to abide in the flesh is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 1:25

And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all . Being persuaded of this, that my life is needful for you; or, as others render, "And this I certainly, confidently know." The first translation seems preferable, for St. Paul's assurance does not seem to rest on direct inspiration, but on a calculation of probabilities. The apostles could not always foresee their own future ( Acts 20:22 ). Bishop Lightfoot says, "The same word οἶδα is used Acts 20:25 ... read more

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