Philippians 1:22

Philippians 1:22 captures the Apostle Paul's profound reflection on his existence, particularly the tension between remaining on earth for ministry and departing to be with Christ. This verse immediately follows his famous declaration in Philippians 1:21, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

Context

Paul writes the Epistle to the Philippians from prison, likely in Rome. Despite his confinement, his primary concern is the advancement of the Gospel and the spiritual well-being of the Philippian believers. In the preceding verses (Philippians 1:20-21), he expresses his passionate desire that Christ be magnified in his body, whether by life or by death. He then presents a deeply personal dilemma: living means continued fruitful labor for Christ, but dying means immediate gain by being with Christ.

Key Themes

• The Dilemma of Purpose: Paul faces a genuine choice between two good outcomes. On one hand, continuing his earthly life ("live in the flesh") means sustained apostolic ministry and evangelism, which he refers to as "the fruit of my labour." This underscores the immense value he places on serving others and spreading the Gospel.
• The Value of Christian Service: For Paul, life on earth is not merely about personal comfort or survival, but about productive service for the kingdom of God. His "labour" refers to his tireless efforts in preaching, teaching, and discipling, which yield spiritual results.
• Submission to God's Will: The phrase "what I shall choose I wot not" highlights Paul's surrender. He is not expressing indecision out of confusion or apathy, but rather a profound acknowledgment that both options are beneficial (one for him, one for others) and that ultimately, the choice is not his to make. He is willing to live or die according to God's sovereign plan, demonstrating a deep trust in divine providence.

Linguistic Insights

The King James Version's phrase "I wot not" is an archaic English expression meaning "I know not" or "I do not know." It conveys Paul's genuine inability to prefer one outcome over the other, given the profound benefits of both. The term "fruit of my labour" (Greek: karpos tou ergou mou) is a common biblical metaphor for the positive results or harvest of one's efforts, especially in spiritual work. It signifies the tangible impact of his ministry on the growth of the church and the spread of the Gospel.

Practical Application

Paul's perspective in Philippians 1:22 offers several insights for believers today:

• Living with Purpose: Like Paul, Christians are called to live with a clear purpose: to glorify Christ through their actions and service. Our earthly lives should be seen as opportunities for "fruitful labour" in God's kingdom, whether through direct ministry, vocational excellence, or simply living a Christ-like life that impacts others.
• Valuing Others' Spiritual Growth: Paul's willingness to defer his personal gain (being with Christ) for the sake of the Philippians' spiritual maturity reminds us of the importance of selfless service and prioritizing the needs of others in the body of Christ.
• Trusting God's Sovereignty: We often face choices where both paths seem good, or where our personal desires conflict with what might be best for others or God's wider plan. Paul's "I wot not" teaches us to hold our preferences loosely and trust that God's ultimate choice for our lives, whether long or short, is always the best. This echoes the sentiment of Proverbs 3:5, "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding."