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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Philippians 1:21–26. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We have here an account of the life and death of blessed Paul: his life was Christ, and his death was gain. Observe, 1. It is the undoubted character of every good Christian that to him to live is Christ. The glory of Christ ought to be the end of our life, the grace of Christ the principle of our life, and the word of Christ the rule of it. The Christian life is derived from Christ, and directed to him. He is the principle, rule, and end of it. 2. All those to whom to live is Christ to them to die will be gain: it is great gain, a present gain, everlasting gain. Death is a great loss to a carnal worldly man; for he loses all his comforts and all his hopes: but to a good Christian it is gain, for it is the end of all his weakness and misery and the perfection of his comforts and accomplishment of his hopes; it delivers him from all the evils of life, and brings him to the possession of the chief good. Or, To me to die is gain; that is, "to the gospel as well as to myself, which will receive a further confirmation by the seal of my blood, as it had before by the labours of my life." So Christ would be magnified by his death, Phi 1:20. Some read the whole expression thus: To me, living and dying, Christ is gain; that is, "I desire no more, neither while I live nor when I die, but to win Christ and be found in him." It might be thought, if death were gain to him, he would be weary of life, and impatient for death. No, says he,
I.If I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour (Phi 1:22), that is, Christ is.
He reckoned his labour well bestowed, if he could be instrumental to advance the honour and interest of the kingdom of Christ in the world. It is the fruit of my labour - karpos ergou - operae pretium. It is worth while for a good Christian and a good minister to live in the world as long as he can glorify God and do good to his church. Yet what I shall choose I wot not; for I am in a strait betwixt two. It was a blessed strait which Paul was in, not between two evil things, but between two good things. David was in a strait by three judgments - sword, famine, and pestilence: Paul was in a strait between two blessings - living to Christ, and being with him. Here we have him reasoning with himself upon the matter.
1.His inclination was for death. See the power of faith and of divine grace; it can reconcile the mind to death, and make us willing to die, though death is the destruction of our present nature and the greatest natural evil. We have naturally an aversion to death, but he had an inclination to it (Phi 1:23); Having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ, Observe,
(1.)It is being with Christ which makes a departure desirable to a good man. It is not simply dying, or putting off the body, it is not of itself and for its own sake a desirable thing; but it may be necessarily connected with something else which may make it truly so. If I cannot be with Christ without departing, I shall reckon it desirable on that account to depart.
(2.)As soon as ever the soul departs, it is immediately with Christ. This day shalt thou be with me in paradise, Luk 23:43. Absent from the body and present with the Lord (Co2 5:8), without any interval between. Which is far better, pollō gar mallon kreisson - very much exceeding, or vastly preferable. Those who know the value of Christ and heaven will readily acknowledge it far better to be in heaven than to be in this world, to be with Christ than to be with any creature; for in this world we are compassed about with sin, born to trouble, born again to it; but, if we come to be with Christ, farewell sin and temptation, farewell sorrow and death, for ever.
2.His judgment was rather to live awhile longer in this world, for the service of the church (Phi 1:24): Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. It is needful for the church to have ministers; and faithful ministers can ill be spared when the harvest is plenteous and the labourers are few. Observe, Those who have most reason to desire to depart should be willing to continue in the world as long as God has any work for them to do. Paul's strait was not between living in this world and living in heaven; between these two there is no comparison: but his strait was between serving Christ in this world and enjoying him in another. Still it was Christ that his heart was upon: though, to advance the interest of Christ and his church, he chose rather to tarry here, where he met with oppositions and difficulties, and to deny himself for awhile the satisfaction of his reward.
II.And, having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith, Phi 1:25.
Observe here, 1. What a great confidence Paul had in the divine Providence, that it would order all for the best to him. "Having this confidence that it will be needful for you that I should abide in the flesh, I know that I shall abide." 2. Whatsoever is best for the church, we may be sure God will do. If we know what is needful for building up the body of Christ, we may certainly know what will be; for he will take care of its interests, and do what is best, all things considered, in every condition it is in. 3. Observe what ministers are continued for: For our furtherance and joy of faith, our further advancement in holiness and comfort. 4. What promotes our faith and joy of faith is very much for our furtherance in the way to heaven. The more faith the more joy, and the more faith and joy the more we are furthered in our Christian course. 5. There is need of a settled ministry, not only for the conviction and conversion of sinners, but for the edification of saints, and their furtherance in spiritual attainments.
III.That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me, by my coming to you again, Phi 1:26.
They rejoiced in the hope of seeing him, and enjoying his further labours among them. Observe,
1.The continuance of ministers with the church ought to be the rejoicing of all who wish well to the church, and to its interests.
2.All our joys should terminate in Christ. Our joy in good ministers should be our joy in Christ Jesus for them; for they are but the friends of the bridegroom, and are to be received in his name, and for his sake.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
3 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
Such a one, to be estimated not by his years but by his deserts, merited higher degrees of clerical ordination and larger increase. But, in the meantime, I judged it well, that he should begin with the office of reading; because nothing is more suitable for the voice which has confessed the Lord in a glorious utterance, than to sound Him forth in the solemn repetition of the divine lessons; than, after the sublime words which spoke out the witness of Christ, to read the Gospel of Christ whence martyrs are made; to come to the desk after the scaffold; there to have been conspicuous to the multitude of the Gentiles, here to be beheld by the brethren; there to have been heard with the wonder of the surrounding people, here to be heard with the joy of the brotherhood. Know, then, most beloved brethren, that this man has been ordained by me and by my colleagues who were then present. I know that you will both gladly welcome these tidings, and that you desire that as many such as possible may be ordained in our church. And since joy is always hasty, and gladness can bear no delay, he reads on the Lord's day, in the meantime, for me; that is, he has made a beginning of peace, by solemnly entering on his office of a reader. Do you frequently be urgent in supplications, and assist my prayers by yours, that the Lord's mercy favouring us may soon restore both the priest safe to his people, and the martyr for a reader with the priest. I bid you, beloved brethren in God the Father, and in Jesus Christ, ever heartily farewell.
This means: “Your glory will abound in me. For I will be present to see how your glory exults and abounds in Christ. I will see how you love Christ, how you serve Christ and how you rejoice in your service to Christ.”
"That your glorying may abound in Christ Jesus in me, through my presence with you again."
You see that this explains the word "abide with you." Behold his humility. Having said, "for your progress," he shows that it was for his own profit too. This also he does, when he writes to the Romans, and says, "That is, that we may be comforted together in you." Having previously said, "That I may impart unto you some spiritual gift." And what means, "That your glorying may abound"? This glorying was, their establishment in the faith. For an upright life is glorying in Christ. And sayest thou, "Your glorying in me, through my presence with you again"? Yes, he answers; "For what is our hope, or crown of glorying? Are not even ye?" Because "you are our glorying, even as we also are yours", i.e. that I may be able to rejoice in you greatly. How sayest thou, "That your glorying may abound"? I may glory the more when you make progress.
"Through my presence with you again." What then! Did he come to them? Search ye whether he came.
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Summary
Philippians 1:26 encapsulates Paul's divinely purposed decision to remain alive, not for his own sake, but to foster the spiritual growth and overflowing joy of the Philippian believers. His anticipated return serves as a catalyst for their exultation, ensuring their rejoicing in Jesus Christ becomes even more abundant, thereby magnifying Christ and strengthening their faith community.
Context
Literary Context
This verse concludes Paul's deeply personal reflection on his imprisonment and the profound dilemma of whether to live or die. In Philippians 1:21, he famously declares, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." He then expresses a personal longing to depart and be with Christ, acknowledging this state as "far better" in Philippians 1:23. However, Paul's selfless nature leads him to conclude in Philippians 1:24 that remaining in the flesh is "more needful for you." His conviction, expressed in Philippians 1:25, is that he will indeed remain and continue his ministry among them. Verse 26 then articulates the specific purpose and anticipated outcome of this continued presence: the Philippians' increased rejoicing in Christ.
Historical & Cultural Context
Paul is writing this letter from prison, likely in Rome, around A.D. 60-62. The Philippian church, founded during Paul's second missionary journey (recorded in Acts 16), was a particularly beloved congregation to Paul, known for its steadfast faith and financial support of his ministry. They were facing external pressures and potential internal disunity, as evidenced by later admonitions in the letter (e.g., Philippians 2:1-4 and Philippians 4:2-3). Paul's imprisonment, while a source of concern for them, also provided an opportunity for him to demonstrate Christ's power in weakness. His anticipated release and return would have been a significant source of encouragement and validation for a church under duress, reinforcing their faith and commitment to the gospel.
Key Themes
This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Philippians. Foremost is the theme of Joy in Christ, which permeates the entire epistle, often referred to as the "Epistle of Joy." Paul repeatedly calls believers to rejoice, regardless of circumstances, because their joy is rooted in Christ (e.g., Philippians 3:1 and Philippians 4:4). Another prominent theme is Paul's Selfless Ministry and Apostolic Care. Paul consistently prioritizes the spiritual well-being and growth of the churches he founded over his personal desires, even the desire to be with Christ. His willingness to remain in the "flesh" for their benefit underscores his deep pastoral love and commitment. Finally, the verse highlights the theme of Christian Fellowship and Mutual Encouragement. Paul anticipates that his physical presence will not merely be a social reunion but a powerful catalyst for the Philippians' spiritual exultation, demonstrating the vital role of spiritual leaders and the importance of believers encouraging one another in the faith.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From the root kaucháomai, this term signifies a "boast" or "glorying," but in a positive sense, it denotes a profound cause for triumph, exultation, or confidence. Here, it refers to the Philippians' spiritual exultation and confidence that is deeply rooted "in Jesus Christ." It is not a fleeting emotion but a settled state of spiritual triumph.
This verb means "to superabound," "to be in excess," "to overflow," or "to excel." It implies that their existing joy will not merely continue but will grow, multiply, and overflow beyond its current measure. Paul expects his return to cause their joy to increase significantly, becoming richer and more profound.
While often used for the "advent" or "return" of Christ, here it refers to Paul's physical "presence" or "arrival." It denotes a being near or a personal appearance. Paul's physical presence among them is anticipated to be the immediate human catalyst for their increased spiritual rejoicing.
Verse Breakdown
"That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ"
This clause reveals the ultimate purpose of Paul's continued earthly life. His aim is not merely to survive but to facilitate a deeper, richer experience of joy among the Philippian believers. This "rejoicing" (or "boasting" in a positive sense) is explicitly stated to be "in Jesus Christ," indicating that its source, object, and sphere are entirely spiritual and Christ-centered, not based on worldly circumstances or Paul's presence alone. Paul's return is merely the occasion for this Christ-centered joy to overflow.
"for me by my coming to you again"
This phrase clarifies the means and immediate cause of the Philippians' increased joy. Paul's physical "coming" or "presence" (parousía) among them once more will be the catalyst. His return will validate his ministry, provide personal encouragement, and allow for continued teaching and fellowship, all of which will serve to deepen their shared experience of Christ and thus their overflowing joy. The phrase "for me" indicates that their abundant rejoicing will be a source of glory and vindication for Paul's ministry, demonstrating the fruit of his labor and the power of God at work through him.
Literary Devices
The verse employs Purpose Clause ("That your rejoicing may be more abundant...") to clearly state the reason for Paul's continued life and ministry. This highlights Paul's selfless, Christ-centered motivation. The phrase "more abundant" utilizes Hyperbole or Intensification, suggesting an overflowing, exceeding measure of joy, emphasizing the profound impact Paul anticipates his return will have. The entire statement functions as a form of Anticipation, building expectation for Paul's physical presence and its spiritual benefits. The phrase "in Jesus Christ" acts as a Theological Anchor, firmly rooting the source and nature of their joy in the person and work of Christ, preventing it from being merely an emotional or circumstantial happiness.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Philippians 1:26 powerfully illustrates the New Testament emphasis on joy as a hallmark of the Christian life, not as a superficial emotion, but as a deep, abiding spiritual reality rooted in one's relationship with Jesus Christ. Paul's willingness to forgo immediate heavenly bliss for the sake of his spiritual children underscores the profound value of selfless service and the interconnectedness of the body of Christ. The verse posits that the presence and ministry of faithful leaders can be a divinely appointed means to foster this Christ-centered joy, reminding us that spiritual growth is often nurtured within the context of Christian community and mutual encouragement. This abundant joy is a testament to the power of the gospel and a witness to the world, demonstrating the transformative life found only in Christ.
Reflection and Application
This verse challenges us to consider the true source and nature of our joy. Is our rejoicing "in Jesus Christ," or is it primarily dependent on circumstances, relationships, or personal achievements? Paul's example calls us to a radical selflessness, prioritizing the spiritual well-being and joy of others, even when it means sacrificing our own comfort or desires. How can our presence, our words, and our service contribute to the "more abundant rejoicing" of those around us, pointing them ever more deeply to Christ as the wellspring of all true joy? This passage encourages us to cultivate a Christ-centered perspective that allows us to find joy even amidst trials, knowing that our ultimate hope and satisfaction are found in Him. It also reminds leaders and all believers of their responsibility to foster an environment where genuine, overflowing joy in Christ can flourish within the community.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does Paul mean by "rejoicing" in this context?
In Philippians 1:26, "rejoicing" (Greek: kaúchēma) refers to a deep, profound sense of triumph, exultation, or confidence that is rooted specifically "in Jesus Christ." It's not a fleeting emotion but a settled state of spiritual delight and boasting in Christ, a testament to the Philippians' faith and the effectiveness of Paul's ministry. Paul anticipates that his return will cause this already present joy to increase and overflow.
Why is Paul's "coming" so important for their joy?
Paul's "coming" (parousía) is important because his physical presence would provide direct pastoral care, teaching, and encouragement. His release from prison and return would validate his apostleship and the gospel he preached, strengthening the Philippians' faith and confidence. It would be a tangible demonstration of God's faithfulness and power, leading them to even greater exultation in Christ. While their joy is ultimately in Christ, Paul's presence serves as a divinely appointed catalyst for its increase, fostering deeper fellowship and spiritual growth within the community, as seen in Philippians 2:1-2.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Philippians 1:26, while speaking of Paul's personal ministry, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the broader redemptive narrative. Paul's selfless choice to remain for the Philippians' abundant joy foreshadows the infinitely greater self-giving of Christ, who, though "in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself" (Philippians 2:6-7) to bring humanity into a state of eternal rejoicing. Jesus' "coming" (parousía) to earth, culminating in His death and resurrection, was the supreme act that secured our joy and salvation, allowing us to "rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory" (1 Peter 1:8). Paul's ministry, and the joy it fostered, was always a derivative of, and a pointer to, the greater work of Christ. The "abundant rejoicing in Jesus Christ" that Paul desires for the Philippians is the very fruit of Christ's finished work on the cross, a joy that anticipates His glorious return and the consummation of His kingdom, where all sorrow will cease and eternal joy will reign (Revelation 21:4). Thus, Paul's earthly purpose mirrors, in a finite way, the eternal purpose of Christ to bring His people into everlasting exultation in Him.