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For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Verse 21. To live is Christ. If it be his will that I live, my life shall be spent in his service.—To die, and suffer martyrdom, will be my gain, by coming to the enjoyment of Christ sooner. Witham.
But if I live on in the flesh, this will bring fruit from my work; yet I don’t know what I will choose.
Verse 22. This is to me, and so forth His meaning is, that although his dying immediately for Christ, would be his gain, by putting him presently in possession of heaven; yet he is doubtful what he should choose, because by staying longer in the flesh, he should be more beneficial to the souls of his neighbours. Challoner.—What I shall choose I know not: though my earnest desire is to be dissolved from this mortal body, and to be with Christ, as my greater happiness, yet if it be the will of God that I labour longer, as necessary for your good, and that I again come to you, let God dispose of me according to his holy will. Witham.
But I am hard pressed between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.
Yet to remain in the flesh is more needful for your sake.
Having this confidence, I know that I will remain, yes, and remain with you all for your progress and joy in the faith,
Verse 25–26. And having this confidence. In effect Saint Paul escaped this first danger, for after having remained two years at Rome, he was taken from his confinement. Calmet.—I know (or am persuaded, as in the Greek) that I shall remain … by my coming to you again. This is one argument that this epistle was written during his first imprisonment at Rome: yet this is not agreed upon by the interpreters, and especially whether he ever returned again to Philippi. Witham.
that your boasting may abound in Christ Jesus in me through my presence with you again.
Verse 25–26. And having this confidence. In effect Saint Paul escaped this first danger, for after having remained two years at Rome, he was taken from his confinement. Calmet.—I know (or am persuaded, as in the Greek) that I shall remain … by my coming to you again. This is one argument that this epistle was written during his first imprisonment at Rome: yet this is not agreed upon by the interpreters, and especially whether he ever returned again to Philippi. Witham.
or, rejoicing
Only let your way of life be worthy of the Good News of Christ, that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your state, that you stand firm in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the Good News;
Verse 27, and so forth Whether when I come, and see you, and so forth This implies a doubt of his seeing them again. At least endeavour you to lead a life worthy of the gospel, according to the principles of your faith; and be not terrified by your adversaries and persecutors: God permits this for your salvation, though an occasion of perdition to your persecutors: you having the like to combat as you have seen in me, when whipped at Philippi. See Acts 16. Witham.
and in nothing frightened by the adversaries, which is for them a proof of destruction, but to you of salvation, and that from God.
Verse 28. The adversaries. Either by the persecutions of the Jews and Gentiles, or by the doctrine of false brethren.
Because it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer on his behalf,
having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.