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- The word "κέρδος" (kerdos) translates to "gain" or "profit." Paul sees death as advantageous because it brings him into the immediate presence of Christ. This perspective is rooted in the Christian hope of eternal life and the resurrection. Historically, this was a radical view that challenged the fear of death prevalent in the ancient world.
biblehub.com/philippians/1-21.htmPhilippians 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is ...
Jul 10, 2023 · Paul knows his suffering is happening for a reason, and that reason is to further the message of Christ: “What has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel” (verse 12). In Philippians 1:19–20, we see the contextual setup for Paul’s “to die is gain” statement.
"To die is gain" for two different reasons for Paul: first, he knew that God would receive honor through his death, and as someone so fully devoted to living for the honor of Christ, this would just be another way of doing so.
Jul 10, 2023 · Philippians 1:21 says, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Most people focus on the second part of the verse, “to die is gain,” and contemplate the joys of heaven. But we should not overlook what comes before. The importance of the phrase “to live is Christ” cannot be overstated.
But how would it be gain to die? What advantage would there be in Paul's circumstances? What in ours? It may be answered, that it will be gain for a Christian to die in the following respects: (1) He will be then freed from sin. Here it is the source of perpetual humiliation and sorrow; in heaven be will sin no more.
- The Context of Philippians 1
- To Depart and Be with Christ
- Paul’s Clear Statements About What Happens After Death
- Asleep, Not Awake Somewhere Else
- Words of Encouragement
- The Rest of The Story
Let’s begin with the immediate context. Note the tone of his words at the outset: “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complet...
Now, what did he mean by “to depart and be with Christ”? Unarguably, the first two words refer to dying. Even today, people speak euphemistically of death this way, saying someone has “departed this life.” Now, that’s quite bleak, writing about the possibility of dying. But it was realistic, and the Church members needed real comfort. Paul was conf...
The key is when the righteous dead will be with Christ. The clear message of 1 Thessalonians is that they will join Christ when He returns,not before. Like the letter to those in Philippi, the purpose of this letter was to encourage believers who were experiencing grievous trials. “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those wh...
One last point to note from this letter to the Thessalonians is Paul’s repeated comparison of death to sleep. His use of this analogy would make no sense if the righteous dead were immediately conscious with Christ in heaven. Plainly, Paul intended to convey that the dead saints are totally unconscious until the resurrection. This spiritual truth a...
Now the meaning of “to depart and be with Christ, which is far better” (Philippians 1:23) becomes unmistakably clear. Paul was confident of God’s hand even in the grimmest of circumstances. What could be grimmer than death? Yet Paul was confident of God’s enduring presence and help throughout all trials. Even if he should die, he was confident that...
We’ve looked at the immediate context of the phase in question, as well as at the broader context of Paul’s additional writings. We’ve seen that they agree within themselves; there is no contradiction. They must also agree with the broader context of all Scripture. Jesus said as much in John 10:35, noting that “the Scripture cannot be broken.” The ...
May 30, 2024 · Paul’s statement in Philippians 1:21 teaches us that living for Christ brings purpose and fulfillment, and that death is not an end but a gain. Embracing this truth can revolutionize our understanding of death, reshape our priorities, and empower us to live a life that truly honors God.
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Jul 2, 2024 · One such verse is Philippians 1:21, which states, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." This verse, written by the apostle Paul to the Philippians, encapsulates the essence of a Christian's purpose and perspective on life and death.
