Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
NASB | Philippians 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Philippians 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ [He is my source of joy, my reason to live] and to die is gain [for I will be with Him in eternity]. |
Subject: To live is Christ, to die is gain |
Bible Note: Greetings jchandler and welcome to the forum, The statement by Paul, Philip. 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Here is “my slant” on what Paul meant along with a few Scriptures that might back it up. While Paul was still at home in his body he suffered many things. Ananias was told to go to Paul after Paul had seen Jesus, the resurrected Christ, while on the Damascus road; Ananias was afraid of Paul and this is what the Lord told Ananias about Paul. Acts 9:15-16 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: [16] For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. With emphasis on, “how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.” Here is a summery of some of Paul’s afflictions while living in the flesh for Christ. 2 Cor. 11:23-31 [23] Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. [24] Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. [25] Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; [26] In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; [27] In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. [28] Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. [29] Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? [30] If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. [31] The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not. The other part of the equation; Philip. 1:21 (B) and to die is gain. Paul, after having died physically, would cease enjoying the previous things mentioned, and I use the word “enjoy” sarcastically. Paul being called home, to be with the Lord, meant no more sorrow no more pain, plus an existence in a place that is so fantastic that it can’t even be mentioned to those that are still in their bodies. This situation was so real to Paul that he wasn’t sure if he was even in his body or not but her sure saw and heard something fantastic. 2 Cor. 12:3-6 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) [4] How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. [5] Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. [6] For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. 1 Cor. 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. Paul was so dedicated to the Lord, after all he was shown and told, that he had presented his body to the Lord to use it as the Lord saw fit. Philip. 1:22-26 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. [23] For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: [24] Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. [25] And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; [26] That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again. He wanted to teach them more Bible doctrine. It sure would be nice to know all that Paul knew! Now seeing that Paul went through all that he did, with the firsthand knowledge that he had, we would be very wise to believe all that Paul tells us to do; remembering that God is speaking to us through him. I hope that helps, enjoy the forum, CDBJ |
Up | View Branch | ID# 175741 | ||
Questions and/or Subjects for Phil 1:21 | Author | ||
|
LSmith | ||
|
jchandler | ||
|
CDBJ |