Philippians 1:21-26·~1 min

To Live Is Christ

Paul says that to live is Christ and to die is gain, and he speaks of being torn between fruitful labor in the flesh and the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Yet he also knows that remaining in the body is more necessary for the sake of the Philippians.

F²¹or to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. ²²But if I go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. So what shall I choose? I do not know. ²³I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed. ²⁴But it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.

Convinced of this, Paul says he knows he will remain and continue with them all for their progress and joy in the faith. His continued presence will give them greater cause to boast in Christ Jesus when he comes to them again.

²⁵Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, ²⁶so that through my coming to you again your exultation in Christ Jesus will resound on account of me.

Section summaryPaul reflects on life and death in relation to Christ, saying that to live is Christ and to die is gain. Though departure to be with Christ is better for him personally, he is persuaded that remaining is more necessary for the Philippians' progress and joy in the faith.

Role in the chapterThis section brings the chapter into Paul's interior resolve. It shows how completely Christ determines both his desire and his sense of obligation to the church.