Philippians 1:25 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

And having this confidence; viz. being persuaded of what went immediately before, how useful the continuance of his life, for a further time in this world, would be to the church of Christ, and particularly to them, he determines (as should seem) with more than probable conjecture; though, upon supposition it should be otherwise, he gives them abundant satisfaction in their adhering to Christ, Philippians 1:27, Philippians 2:17. I know; even with a well grounded knowledge, either by a prophetic Spirit, from a particular revelation such as he had sometimes before had, Acts 16:9,10 Acts 23:11, or the sanctifying Spirit witnessing with his spirit, Romans 8:16, strengthening his faith and persuasion, helped by their faith and prayer, Philippians 1:19, compared with 1 Peter 1:8. I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; to these ends, that, by his personal presence with them, he might by his ministry further their faith in Christ, their joy in the Holy Ghost, and more abundant glorying in the power of Jesus Christ, for his safety, and being restored to them, as we see in what follows; and Ephesians 4:1, with 2 Timothy 4:17, we find, from his first imprisonment at Rome, (when likely this Epistle was written), he was delivered, and for some years restored to the churches which he had planted.