“The day of Christ” is the time true disciples look forward to, for then Jesus will return to raise the dead and give eternal life to the faithful. It is important to notice this fact because some words in this chapter are often wrested to suggest that Paul hoped to go to heaven at death. He faced an early execution, which would be a welcome release from his suffering, and then he would be unconscious in the grave until the day of Christ. However, it might be God’s will that he remained alive to encourage and help the disciples in churches near and far. Either way Christ would be magnified in his body, whether by life or death.v.21Waiting for response for Philippians 1:21 He was therefore in “a strait betwixt the two” - life or death.v.23Waiting for response for Philippians 1:23 It is helpful to know that the word translated “depart” only appears once more in the Bible, and there it is translated “return”! Luke 12:36Waiting for response for Luke 12:36 Clearly this Greek word should be translated “return”, not “depart”, so it seems the apostle was saying that he could not choose between living or dying, but his earnest desire was for a third event - the return of Christ that he might be with him.v.23Waiting for response for Philippians 1:23
Verses 6-7,9-10
Waiting for response for Philippians 1:6-7,9-10Paul wrote his letter to the disciples in Philippi from Rome where he was a prisoner awaiting trial before Caesar, so he makes reference to his “bonds”. While preaching the gospel in Philippi he was flogged and thrown into prison. As a result the jailor and his family believed and were baptized, and a congregation of disciples was established in the city. Paul was confident God who had “begun a good work in them would perform it until the day of Jesus Christ”, and he exhorted them to abound in love, knowledge and judgment “that they may approve things that are excellent; that they may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ”.