Philippians chapter 1

vs 21

I think we concentrate a little more on the second half of this statement than the first. "To die is gain" is easy enough to understand: he's not losing anything by dying, but instead gaining.

But "to live is Christ" is a lot less clear. We assume he means something like "as long as he lives he serves Christ". We might not be far wrong. Later on, though, he says that if he dies he will go to be with Christ. Perhaps "to live is to be like Christ".

vs 22

Paul speaks, interestingly, as if the choice is his. I think we tend to talk about it being someone's 'time' if they go, but Paul seems pretty clear that he has a choice. Perhaps that's taking him too literally, and he's just talking about what he'd choose if he had the choice.

So far, he makes it clear that as long as he is alive, God will give him fruitful labour. This is a guy talking from prison, mind you.

vs 23

Now Paul considers the other alternative. If he dies, he gets to start the fun half of the eternal life. He certainly thinks that would be the better alternative.

vs 24

However, he doesn't go and slag out a prison guard's wife and kids to secure himself a quick trip to heaven, because his love for others outweighs the love for himself - and at the moment, he is worth more to the Philippians alive than dead.

vs 25

Since he thinks that his desire (out of love for others, to be alive) is in line with God's desire, he is convinced that he will be able to continue to help the Philippians in their growth and progress along their life for Christ.

vs 26

A lot of their growth, in Paul's eyes, seems that it will be in joy - joy in Christ, and joy in Paul's being with them. Paul seems to be a big part of their joy. But I guess, it's only fair if they love Paul that they be sad because he's in prison.

vs 27

Perhaps the Philippians are a little to Paul-o-centric in their view of Christianity, and they think that without Paul, there would be no more Christianity? His encouragement to them is that whether he is near or far, they should focus on serving Christ. Or perhaps, because Paul is in jail, they are holding back in the work of the gospel, waiting to see what happens to him.

vs 28

It's a sign to the Philippians as well, I think. Rather than hanging back, they should continue with the spread of the gospel, without fear of the consequences. Their attitude should be like Paul's, who will live or die for the gain of Christ.

vs 29

Suffering is a part of Christianity that has been granted to us. Christ suffered as part of his ministry, and so Christians will suffer as part of their devotion to Christ.

vs 30

Paul has had the same struggles and sufferings, so they shouldn't be surprised. And he is still having them, so they're not like a momentary thing or an abnormal thing. Useful to remember.