Philippians 1:21

To live] as distinguished from to live in the flesh (Philippians 1:22), means 'life essential': cp. 1 Timothy 6:19; Colossians 3:1 is the true commentary on Philippians 1:21 : 'Your life is hid with Christ in God'—'Christ, who is our life.'

For to me, to live is Christ] i.e. life consists of and is rooted in Him: see Romans 8:35; Galatians 2:20. Hence, to die is gain; for dying would bring the Apostle nearer to Christ: see Philippians 1:23 and 2 Corinthians 5:6. (How the expectation of being with Christ immediately after death agrees with the conception of an intermediate state, indicated in 1 Thessalonians 4:14; 1 Thessalonians 4:16 and 1 Corinthians 15:51, is not evident; our best notions of the other world are dim and confused: see 1 Corinthians 13:12.)

22. There is gain also on the opposite side: If to live in the flesh be my lot (RM; the Gk. is highly elliptical, as Paul's language often becomes under excitement), this means for me fruit of work, i.e. continued labour and a richer reward. The writer knows not which he shall choose; advantages are balanced.

23, 24. His heart prompts the wish to go; his judgment, guided by his friends' need, advises staying; that he will so abide in the flesh for their progress and joy in the faith, St. Paul is persuaded (Philippians 1:25). This outcome of the pending trial will bring exceeding joy, as well as spiritual benefit, to the Philippians. The peculiar Gk. word for depart (Philippians 1:23), also used in 2 Timothy 4:6, means 'loosing the tentpeg': cp. the metaphor of 2 Corinthians 5:1. The glorying (AV' rejoicing') anticipated in Philippians 1:26 is the exultation of the Philippians in the Apostle's escape and the resulting gain to the Christian cause.

III. How Paul's Comrades may support Him (Philippians 1:27 to Philippians 2:18)

§ 6. Philippians 1:27. With Philippians 1:27 the Apostle turns upon his readers, as much as to say, 'I have told you how it fares with me; what about yourselves? My happiness depends on you,' The transitional Only implies a possible qualification—a cloud that might darken the bright prospect of Philippians 1:25 : cp. 1 Thessalonians 3:8.

The manner of life (AV 'conversation') expected is defined by a Gk. term familiar to 'colonials' (see Intro.), which recurs in Philippians 3:21 : hold your citizenship in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ: cp. Ephesians 2:19. 'The gospel' supplies in itself the motives for a worthy life; the Apostle's presence or absence should not affect his fellow-believers' loyalty. Steadfastness is the chief quality desired in them, that ye stand fast—a characteristic of the citizen-soldier. In one spirit signifies unity of religious principles and purpose; with one soul (RV), unity of feeling and effort. The faith of the gospel does not mean Christian doctrine, the contents of faith, but faith as a conscious power in the soul, 'striving like one man to maintain and carry into effect your faith in the gospel': cp. Judges 1:3.

28. Steadfastness meant, especially for this Church, not to be daunted by persecution. They are Paul's comrades in the conflict which he underwent at Philippi formerly, and now endures in Rome (Philippians 1:30). Let them understand that their courage is itself a token of their adversaries' perdition (ruin) and their salvation—a sign that God is with them (cp. Philippians 1:19, in this connexion); for indeed (Philippians 1:29) their sufferings are a bounty of divine grace (cp. Matthew 5:12; 1 Peter 4:11) shared with their Apostle (cp. Philippians 1:7; also Colossians 1:24; Ephesians 3:1; Ephesians 3:13)—a favour directly consequent on their believing in Christ. To suffer in His behalf, as representing Christ amid an evil world (cp. John 15:18), is indeed an honour.

The Mutual Service of Paul and Philippian Church

§ 7. Philippians 2:1, In view of what has just been said, therefore the Apostle entreats his readers, under all the obligations arising from past fellowship (Philippians 2:1), to make his joy complete by a thorough concord (Philippians 2:2). This will be attained through self-effacing regard for each other (Philippians 2:3), of which Christ is the ground and example (Philippians 2:5).