of
dying,[1] +is gain+, for it will usher me in from an existence of
blessing to an existence of more blessing still. +But+

Ver. 22. +if living+ on, +in the flesh+, be my lot; if the present
suspense issues in my being acquitted at the Roman tribunal, +this will
prove to me+ (_touto moi_) +fruit of work+; it will just mean so much
more work for the Lord, and so much more fruit; I shall welcome it not
as being the best thing in itself, as if I chose mortal life for its
own sake, but because of its ceaseless opportunities for my Lord. +And
which+ alternative +I shall choose, I do not know+, I do not
_recognize_ (_gnorizo_, as one who seeks to be sure of the face of

Ver. 23. a friend amidst other faces). +Nay+ (_de_), +I am held in
suspense on both sides+;[2] +my+ personal +desire being[3] in the
direction of departing+, striking my tent, weighing my anchor
(_analysai_),[4] +and being with Christ+ (for this is what "departing"
means for us Christians, on its other side); +for it is far, far
better+, by far more preferable, _pollo mallon kreisson_--aye even than
a "life in the flesh" which "is Christ"! +But+

Ver. 24. then +the abiding by+ (_epimenein_) +the flesh+, the brave,
faithful, holding fast to the conditions of earthly trial, +is more
necessary+, more obligatory, more of the nature of duty as against
pleasure, +on account of you+, and your further need of me in the Lord.
And +feeling+

Ver. 25. +confident of this, I know that I shall remain+--aye +and
shall remain side by side+ (_parameno_) +with you all+, as your
comrade, your helper, +in order to your progress and joy in your
faith+;[5] so as to promote your growth in the exercise of loyal
reliance on your Lord, and in the deep joy which is the natural issue
of such

Ver. 26. reliance; +so that your exultation may be overflowing in
Christ Jesus+, in your living union with Him, +in me+ (_en emoi_), "in"
whom you see a living example of your Lord's love, shewn to you +by
means of my+

Ver. 27. +coming back to you again+. +Only+, whether I am thus
actually restored to you or not, +order your life[6] in a way worthy of
the Gospel of Christ+ (above all, worthy of the unifying, harmonizing
power of the Gospel); +so that whether coming and seeing you, or+
remaining +absent, I may hear[7] about your circumstances+, your
condition, +that you are standing firm in One Spirit+,[8] in the power
of the One Strengthener, and, +with one soul+, one life and