Philippians 1:24 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.

NIV: but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.

NASB: yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sakes.

CSB: but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.

NLT: But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.

KJV: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

NKJV: Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.

Paul has been musing about the conflict he feels at this time of imprisonment. Which does he want more, to endure persecution and preach the gospel, or to be taken to eternity with Christ? Paul concludes that, since God's will is for others to be saved, it is better for him to be alive. When God wills Paul's death, it will happen. Paul's focus must be to stay alive and serve others, including the Philippian believers. In fact, Paul seems to have a special burden for believers such as the Philippians; his comment here specifically mentions the readers of this letter as a reason for him to live on.

In Colossians 4:3 Paul will add a related note: "the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison." Paul was imprisoned because of following Christ. He wasn't there for personal failures, or for something random. There was a God-given reason for it, though that didn't make it any easier to endure. The benefit of this persecution included the evangelism of many people in Rome, as well as influence through writing four Prison Epistles.

Philippians 1:19–30 shows Paul reflecting on two competing desires. On one hand, a believer wants to serve God and bring others to Christ through their life. On the other hand, a Christian yearns to leave suffering behind—to be with God in eternity. Paul concludes that it's better to live until God calls him home, so he can serve his fellow men. Paul also encourages the Philippians with his conviction that he will be released to see them again. His experiences, good or bad, are all adding to the glory of Jesus Christ.

In chapter 1, Paul thanks the Philippian believers for supporting his ministry. Even when Paul was jailed, or persecuted, they had been generous and loyal. Paul encourages these Christians by explaining that all of his suffering has been for a good cause. Even better, these attempts to persecute Paul have actually caused the gospel to spread. For this, Paul is grateful. He fully expects to be released, and to see the believers of Philippi again.

Chapter 1 introduces the major themes of Paul's letter. A large proportion of the passage is given to thanking the Philippian church for their loyal support of Paul. Paul also encourages them with a reminder that, good or bad, anything a Christian experiences can be used for the glory of God. This sets the tone for the rest of the letter, where Paul will continue to stress the importance of living out the Christian life. This, he says, starts with having a proper attitude and approach.

Philippians is Paul's discussion of living the Christian life. In this letter to the church of Philippi, Paul highlights themes such as joy and glory. He also puts great emphasis on how a Christian's thinking—their attitude—affects the way they live out their faith. Paul is very thankful for the support of the Philippian church, but is also concerned about the influence of various false teachers. This letter is less theological than most of his other writings, and more practical.

Accessed 4/29/2024 2:52:10 AM