Philippians 1:24

24 but to dwell in flesh, is needful for you.

Philippians 1:24 Meaning and Commentary

Philippians 1:24

Nevertheless to abide in the flesh
To continue in the body, not always, but a little longer,

[is] more needful for you;
for their comfort, edification, and instruction, their further profiting: and increase in faith, and the joy of it. The Syriac version renders the words thus, "but business for you", or "a good will towards you compels me to abide in the body"; and the Arabic version thus, "notwithstanding I choose to remain in the flesh, and this I think very necessary for you"; so that upon the whole, the argument for living longer on consideration of glorifying Christ, and of being more useful to the good of souls, preponderated with him; inclined him to desire rather to live than die; though the latter was better for him, and more to his personal advantage; and thus, like a brave and good man, he prefers a public good to a private one.

Philippians 1:24 In-Context

22 That if to live in flesh, [this] is fruit of work to me, lo! what I shall choose, I know not. [That if to live in flesh, this is fruit of work to me, and what I shall choose, I know not.]

23 But I am constrained of two things, I have desire to be departed [Forsooth I am constrained of two things, having desire to be dissolved, or departed the soul from the body], and to be with Christ, it is much more better;

24 but to dwell in flesh, is needful for you.

25 And I trusting this thing, know that I shall dwell, and perfectly dwell to all you, to your profit and joy of faith,

26 that your thanking abound in Christ Jesus in me, by my coming again to you.