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| From extra parking lot, near TriCity Church (Northview Community Church, church plant) |
Philippians 1:21
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
To Live Is Christ
21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Ralph P. Martin explains and provides interpretations:
Paul is stating that if he dies and glorifies God, it is the Apostle's gain. Martin (79). Paul reasons that besides his entrance to heaven and a heavenly reward, his martyrdom will produce promotion for the gospel message. (79).
In a sense, Paul will be closer to Jesus Christ and God, because the Apostle would exchange this temporal realm for the heavenly realm of Paradise, that Paul had experienced for a time, previously. (2 Corinthians 12: 4).
It honours Christ, to die for the triune God and the gospel, but Martin is correct, martyrdom serves as an historical promotion for the work of Jesus Christ.
Jon Courson opines in his Bible commentary series that the Apostle Paul will be happier to be with Jesus Christ, as will all saints when they die in Christ. Courson (1277). A different human focus, other than a gospel focus, will find a person less than ultimately satisfied. Courson (1277). I reason this supports the idea that the heavenly realm will be a more blessed state for those in Christ, than will be this present temporal, fallen, realm. Indeed the ending chapters of the Book of Revelation support this idea.
Hewlett reasons that Paul's life is bright (1443) because the gospel which saves people, is contrary to death. Being in a disembodied state, Paul will be conscious and free from sin and suffering. Hewlett (1443). If Paul remains he can still assist those in the Church in the earthly realm. Hewlett (1443).
Philippians 1:29-30
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
29 For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
Martin opines that the type of suffering Paul is discussing is not a mark of divine punishment, but is a sign of divine favour. Martin (92). It is an aspect of divine grace to suffer obediently in Jesus Christ. Martin (92). Martin connects salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 1-2) as a gift from God and to endure the pain and suffering associated with this gift. Martin (92).
Of course Christians can suffer for disobedience (1 Peter 2, as example), but that is not the context here.
Courson writes that it is a privilege to suffer for Christ. Courson (1277). Obedience in suffering by the Church demonstrates allegiance to the Biblical God. Courson (1277).
Again, it could be viewed as promotion for the gospel, for the Church, that like the Apostle Paul, were willing to suffer for Jesus Christ and the gospel, even unto death.
Hewlett reasons it is a privilege to suffer for Christ. Hewlett (1444). This could be tied to the concept of honour in suffering and in martyrdom.
This privilege and honour is culminated at the judgement seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5). Honour will occur in judgement and in the enhanced, everlasting blessings for citizens within the Kingdom of God.
BROWNING, W.R.F. (1997) Dictionary of the Bible, Oxford, Oxford University Press.
COURSON, JON (2005) Application Commentary, Thomas Nelson, Nashville.
ELWELL, WALTER AND YARBROUGH, ROBERT W., Third Edition (2013) Encountering The New Testament, Grand Rapids, Baker Academic.
GUNDRY, ROBERT (1981) A Survey of the New Testament, Grand Rapids, Zondervan.
HEWLETT, H.C. (1986) 'Philippians' in The International Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids, Zondervan.
MARTIN, RALPH P. (1987) Philippians, Grand Rapids, IVP.
RYKEN, LELAND (2015) Literary Introduction to the Books of the Bible, Crossway, Wheaton, Illinois.
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