Paul Stresses That He Faces The Future Decision To Be Made By Rome About Him With Confidence. To Live Will Mean That He Can Continue To Serve God's People. To Die Will Mean That He Enters Straight Into The Presence Of Christ. He Was Equally Ready For Either (Philippians 1:19-26).
Paul now sought to clarify the situation with regard to his own person. Imprisoned by Rome and awaiting trial, he was filled with confidence that in one way or another Jesus Christ would be glorified, and he wanted them to recognise that because of his confidence in Christ he was not fearful for the future, assuring them that he knew that whatever happened to him would turn out for good, both for him and for God's people.
We learn in this passage of the very mixed emotions which Paul was experiencing. On the one hand he was looking forward to being with Christ which was better than anything that this world could offer, and thus in one sense he longed for martyrdom. And yet on the other he wanted to remain on earth because he believed that it would be for the benefit of God's people. Thus he did not know which to assert to be most likely, although he leant towards the probability that God would arrange for his release so that he could once more minister to the Philippians, and others.
Analysis.
a For I know that this will turn out to my salvation, through your supplication and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:19).
b According to my earnest expectation and hope, that in nothing shall I be put to shame, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death (Philippians 1:20).
c For to me to live is Christ (Philippians 1:21 a).
d And to die is gain (Philippians 1:21 b)
e But if to live in the flesh, if this will bring fruit from my work, then what I will choose I do not know (Philippians 1:22).
d But I am in a pressure situation between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for it is very far better (Philippians 1:23).
c Yet to abide in the flesh is more needful for your sake (Philippians 1:24).
b And having this confidence, I know that I will abide, yes, and abide with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith (Philippians 1:25).
a That your glorying may abound in Christ Jesus in me through my presence with you again (Philippians 1:26).
Note that in ‘a' he is satisfied that his case will turn out for the good, either by resulting in his gaining the fruit of God's salvation by going to be with Christ, or by his being saved from the hands of his judges, through prayer and through the Spirit of Christ Jesus, and in the parallel he expects them to glory abundantly in Christ Jesus because he will be delivered so as to be among them again. In ‘b' his ‘earnest expectation and hope' is that Christ will be magnified through what happens to him, and in the parallel he is ‘confident' that he will remain with them in order to further their spiritual growth. In ‘c' for him to live in this world is to live for Christ and in Christ, and in the parallel he recognises that to abide in the flesh in this way will be better for the Philippians. In ‘d' he would see death as being a gain, and in the parallel he explains why. It would be because it would mean that he would depart to be with Christ which would be far better. Centrally in ‘e' he is in a quandary as to which to prefer because he recognises his importance to them and to the spread of the Gospel.